The University is consulting with campus trade unions on transferring the Crèche and Nursery to an external provider, Bright Horizons.

The transfer is taking place following the requirement from Council (the University's governing body) that all trading activities and facilities move to operation without subsidy.

Charles Dudley, Director of Residential, Sport and Trading Services, said: "When finally concluded this agreement will ensure we can continue to provide these facilities for staff and students on campus without requiring an ongoing subsidy. 

A Crèche and Nursery Review Board has been in operation since late 2009, when the University sought tenders for the operation of the service and considered ideas and options from parents.

Charles said: "We are grateful to all the staff and the parents who have been involved with putting forward ideas and being patient and supportive during a challenging process.

"Bright Horizons have a strong commitment to their service and will want to ensure that our staff and student parents continue to receive an excellent childcare service."

He added: "We have been impressed with the high quality of the childcare and early-years learning provided by Bright Horizons, who already work with other universities, and by their commitment to staff development."

Bright Horizons provide childcare at Warwick, Bournemouth and Robert Gordon University and at other leading employers. Eighty per cent of their centres are assessed as "good" or "outstanding". They have also been rated as one of the top 50 employers over the last five years by the Financial Times.

Staff have met informally with the team from Bright Horizons to hear about their plans and to help them get to know the organisation. Meetings have also been held with parents.

The University is undertaking formal consultation with the relevant recognised trade unions and is also engaging directly with staff, as the plans involve the transfer of staff under 'TUPE' regulations (the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)), which protect employees' terms and conditions when an activity is transferred.

Bright Horizons is working in partnership with the University during the formal consultation phase so that both parties get to know each other better and ease the transition process.

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