The University of Sunderland has confirmed it will close St Mary’s Childcare Centre at the City Campus in July 2025, as part of ‘cost-saving measures.'

This decision has raised concerns among staff, students, and parents who relied on the nursery for affordable childcare.

Parents say the closure of the creche means it will now cost them around £300 more a month for the same type of services.

A spokesperson for the University of Sunderland said: “Like many universities across the country, we are facing a tough financial environment and are making a number of cost-saving measures to secure our future.”

They noted that despite subsidising the nursery by £250,000 last academic year, it was no longer financially sustainable to keep it open.

Parents and staff were informed of the closure two weeks ago, with the university reassuring them that "the childcare team would continue to work closely with all those affected to ensure a smooth transition for the children.”

However, the decision has sparked criticism, particularly from student parents and staff who worry about the long-term impact of the closure. 

An assistant Professor from Durham University, whose child attends the Centre, and whose wife lectures at the University of Sunderland, voiced concerns in a letter to The Northern Echo, saying: “St Mary’s is not just a nursery- it has been a cornerstone of the university community for over 15 years.”

The professor highlighted the difficulty many families will face in finding alternative childcare options in a region already struggling with long waiting lists.

He noted that losing the nursery could increase their childcare costs by around £300 per month, something that could add significant financial pressure on many families.

The closure, the professor argues, would disproportionately affect women, particularly working mothers and students who are parents, by limiting their access to affordable, convenient and reliable childcare.

The university pointed many female lecturers to its 'Flex Select Scheme', which offers flexible working arrangements, as a potential solution for affected parents.

However, the professor warned that such measures could lead to reduced pay for those who choose to work flexibly, further financially straining families already struggling with increased childcare costs.

The letter also criticised the fact that the Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell had previously advocated for increased investment in early childhood services during his time at the Department of Education.

The closure of the nursery, the letter argues. Contradicts his stance on the importance of stable childcare, as outlined in the government’s Best Start for Life report.

The university has faced comparisons to other institutions in the North East, such as Teesside and Northumbria University, which, despite facing similar financial challenges, have managed to keep their childcare services open by exploring alternative cost-saving measures.

Parents and staff are urging the University of Sunderland to reconsider its decision.