Plans for new childcare centre to be built on campus
The University is close to concluding an agreement with the Co-operative Childcare, part of Midcounties Co-operative, to secure the future of childcare on campus.
Funding has now been approved by the University’s governing body (Council) for a new 100-place Nursery and Preschool, proposed to be located on land alongside the Freeman Centre in the south-east corner of campus.
The agreement being finalised with the Co-operative Childcare would mean they run the childcare service and is now subject only to planning consent being obtained for the new building.
Childcare staff and parents have had input to the design of the new building and advice has been sought from Brighton and Hove City Council’s Early Years team and by visits to other centres.
A planning application will be submitted to Lewes District Council next month, with the expectation of a planning decision in April. Construction would start soon afterwards, with a completion date in early 2013.
Charles Dudley, the Director of Residential, Sport and Trading Services, said: “This is a very positive time for childcare on campus. We are close to signing an agreement that will ensure the future of the service without ongoing subsidy by the University.”
Sussex staff and students can continue to book places in the Preschool and Nursery with confidence now that the long-term future of the childcare service is being secured. Ample notice will be given to parents should planning consent not be granted.
Mike Abbott, Group Manager for the Co-operative Childcare, said: “We are a leading, ethical childcare provider which operates 29 nurseries around the country, delivering early years care and learning in a safe and stimulating environment. The nursery at Sussex will be run according to co-operative values of trust, honesty and openness and will have strong connections with the local community.”
In relation to the transfer of childcare staff to the Co-op, the University will resume formal consultation with relevant recognised trade unions with a view to welcoming all existing staff into the Co-operative Childcare group.
Charles added: “I am grateful to Penny Peters, the childcare staff and the parents for all they have done to bring us so close to this positive outcome.
“It has been a long and demanding process, but we are now on the verge of securing a long-term future for the service, in a purpose-designed building.”
Mike added: “We are delighted about the opportunity to operate the nursery provision at Sussex and secure its future. The proposed new building will provide great facilities and be developed as a centre of excellence.”