The university's planned closure of its two nurseries will affect eight staff and 40 children, as well as more than 20 student parents. Some students starting on courses next term are now reconsidering whether they can take up a place at the university.
A campaign to save the combined nurseries based at Marylebone Road and Northwick Park, Harrow, is being led by the unions Unison and the Universities and Colleges Union, which represents academics.
Barry Blinko, Unison branch secretary, said, 'Closing the two nurseries would only save around £141,000 a year at a time when the university is planning on spending £1m on upgrading a single reception area. We're calling for an opportunity to sit down with management and look at new ways of generating income from a valuable facility that benefits students, staff and the wider community.'
A 30-day consultation process will end on 14 August with the final decision due on 17 August.
If the decision goes ahead, the nurseries will be closed on 18 September.
No new children will be registered and places cannot be guaranteed in the autumn term for children who currently use the nursery, the University of Westminster said.
The university recently restructured some of its departments and an independent review was carried out last year.
In a statement the university said, 'The report into the nurseries concluded that further investment will be required soon in addition to the current running costs.'
It added that because the nurseries were 'greatly valued' and the dedication and professionalism of staff were not in doubt, the university would review correspondence and consider the impact on staff and families.
If closure goes ahead the university said it would highlight financial options available to staff and students and provide information on alternative childcare.
Ruth Levin, Unison regional officer, said the union was concerned at the number of universities and colleges proposing to close nurseries 'when the Government is talking about increasing access to higher education'.
WHAT STUDENT PARENTS SAY
- 'My attending the University of Westminster depends on my daughter also attending the Westminster nursery and if that can't happen then I will probably not be attending the university altogether. I have no other alternatives for childcare.'
- 'I can remember the stress I had to go through trying to find a place for my son who was only two years old. I can't stress enough how much the nursery means to me as a parent, but especially as a student who relies on such wonderful care.'
- 'If the university continues with its plans to shut the nursery I am almost certain I will not attend the university.'
- 'I don't know what I'm going to do if the nursery closes. There is no other affordable childcare in Marylebone.'