Closure of crèche provision at Middleton campus

Following reports that mums and dads have been shocked to find out that Hopwood Hall college bosses have decided to shut the Crèche and Co nursery at the Middleton Campus in a cost-cutting exercise, the college has said it is with regret that they have decided crèche provision for the children of students and staff at the Middleton campus will no longer be available as of September 2008.

Principal Derek O'Toole said: "Hopwood Hall College remains committed to creating an environment that supports learners who have children. However, for some time the crèche facility at Middleton has been undersubscribed and therefore childcare rates have been heavily subsidised by college funds. It is an unfortunate situation for parents using the crèche however the College has to consider the best interests of all its students when allocating its limited funding, to ensure it provides the best learning environment possible.

"Student parents will continue to receive their childcare support funds and we are working with them to offer assistance in obtaining contact details of crèche facilities in the local area for those parents who wish to investigate other providers. Staff who currently have children at the crèche have historically been offered spaces because of the low demand from students. This is not a formal service offered to staff as part of any benefit package."

Mr O'Toole added: "To build a new crèche as part of the College's accommodation strategy we would have to have sufficient future resources to cover the significant investment required. Sadly the demand from our student population does not make this a viable possibility. The College expresses its sincere thanks and appreciation to the current providers, Creche and Co, who have offered an excellent service and have been highly rated in their Ofsted reports."

Due to sufficient demand, the crèche at the Rochdale campus will continue to remain open. Any students who are concerned about the closure of the Middleton campus crèche are advised to contact Ted Taylor, Head of Learner Services on 0161 643 7560.