University of Sunderland finances force creche closure
Written by Eleanor Tait on 7th October 2024
The University of Sunderland has announced that it will be removing its current on-site childcare provisions from next summer. St Mary’s Childcare Centre, which provides creche services for the children of parents and carers who work and study at the university, is set to close from 23 July 2025.
The creche, located on the university’s City Campus, Chester Road, was said to be financially unsustainable following a fall in the number of families using its services. Over the academic year 2023/24, 45 families were registered users of the creche, falling to 34 registered families in September 2024.
Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Sunderland University, Sir David Bell said in an email to students: “Like all universities, we are in a position of financial restraint.
“While this latest decision has been difficult, it is one of several unenviable choices we face as we do everything possible to ensure that we protect our overall educational and financial position.
“The Childcare Centre is currently running at a substantial loss. This means that it is subsidised by the University, with the subsidy for 2023/24 projected to be in excess of £250,000.”
The announcement comes seven days after the University and College Union revealed that 76 members of university staff could be made redundant as early as Friday 1 November 2024, as part of money-saving efforts across the university.
St Mary’s Childcare Centre will continue to provide its services until its closing date, but will not accept any further applications to the creche. The University of Sunderland is expected to provide transitional support and alternative childcare advice for families currently using the service.
