Your SU accepts that the Nursery Portakabin block is approaching the end of its working life and that the provision is limited.

As the consultation notes, ‘The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has reported that in the months April to July 2022 65% more nurseries have closed in comparison to the same months in 2021. OFSTED has reported 196 net closures from September 2021 to March 2022’.

The following is noted:

• Zarah Sultana raised the question in parliament on Wednesday 24 May of the threatened closure of Coventry University Nursery and called on the university to listen to the call from parents, nursery staff and trade unions to save the nursery.
• There is a Change.Org petition signed by 1375 (at the time of writing) to Save Coventry University Nursery.
• The majority of universities (including Warwick, Birmingham and Aston) have university nurseries. There are three nurseries at Birmingham University and Aston University has recently opened a new purpose-built building catering for up to 104 children.
• The hours of funded childcare are increasing over the next two years
• The university is building connections with North Warwickshire College which runs childcare practitioners' courses at its Nuneaton and Wigston campuses.
• Coventry University has noted in its summary of its access and participation plan that:

Coventry University Group has a lower proportion of full-time, first-degree mature students than the sector. The percentage of mature students who entered Coventry University Group in 2020/2021 was 24.8 percent compared to a sector average of 30.5 percent.

For the academic year 2023-2024 we are continuing to address attainment gaps for under-represented and disadvantaged groups. We have included targets where analysis of the data sources has indicated a persistent and or significant gap.

We invest significantly in on-course support for our students through the provision of innovative and sector-leading initiatives such as learner analytics and investment in academic, health and well-being services. These services are designed to support all students, including those from the defined target groups identified by the Office of Students.

 We also aim to continue our work with employers and key sectors in supporting and encouraging underrepresented groups to build rewarding careers in sectors that they may not have previously considered possible.

CU Coventry is dedicated to making higher education accessible to more people through flexible study options. 

• In the universities corporate plan, the strategy outlines its vision to ‘...harness the power and potential of the different cultures, backgrounds, abilities experiences of our students, colleagues and partners to create opportunities for all.’ ‘The Group will embed an inclusive approach, promoting equality and ensuring diversity at all levels. We will support people to appreciate and embrace difference and ensure that we are focusing on attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce for our current and future needs’.
   

Delivery of Provision

Your SU believes that the university has made commitments to an inclusive approach to education. Closing the nursery will not contribute to fulfilling that approach. The university should commit to investing in its nursery provision over the long term through the continuation of existing provision on a limited timescale and the planning of sustainable resources moving forward. It should also consider which Coventry University courses could have students working in the nursery as part of placements.  

Conclusion

The University should not consider the nursery as losing money but as a necessary investment in students’ lives and wellbeing. There is a lack of nursery places elsewhere so closing the nursery is not feasible. Nursery provision needs to be maintained whilst the university plans for a better long-term solution. The university must also take steps to better advertise the nursery to ensure that all spaces are taken and ensure that all types of students (including PG Research students) can use it.

Coventry Executive

26 May 2023

Coventry University and the Sustainable Development Goals | Coventry University

Home - Pregnant Then Screwed

Summary of 2020-21 to 2024-25 access and participation plan (coventry.ac.uk)