Local MSPs Challenge Education Minister and Council Leader over University Nursery Closure

Renfrewshire’s 3 constituency MSPs – Wendy Alexander, Hugh Henry, and Trish Godman today wrote to Education Minister Fiona Hyslop protesting at the proposed closure of the University of the West of Scotland nursery on the Paisley Campus. They also challenged Council Leader Derek McKay – who recently presided over the downgrading of 6 local nursery schools and is currently halving the number of nursery teachers employed by Renfrewshire Council – to also disown the University’s proposed closure.

Hugh Henry, whose constituency includes the University, today tabled a motion supported by Wendy Alexander MSP and Trish Godman MSP:

S3M-03233 Hugh Henry (Paisley South) (Scottish Labour): University of the West of Scotland Nursery Provision –

That the Parliament notes with concern the proposal by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) to close its on-site nursery at Paisley; notes that out of 10 other Scottish universities surveyed only two do not currently provide on-site nursery places; regrets that up to 30 jobs are threatened across the Paisley and Hamilton campuses; also notes that student parents fear being unable to complete their courses; calls on UWS to appreciate that substitute financial assistance may not necessarily be an answer, given that many external nurseries have constraints that do not align with the university’s course timetables, and, in consequence, urges the UWS to review the closure proposal, re-examine the existing costs and fee structure and explore other means of generating income before any decision is taken.

Click on the links below to view a copy of the letters sent:

• Letter to Derek MacKay expressing opposition to UWS Nursery closure

• Letter to Fiona Hyslop expressing concerns over UWS Nursery closure

• Letter from Hugh Henry MSP to The Principal of UWS over Nursery closure

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