A college has decided to press pause on the closure of two nurseries in Lanarkshire until the end of the year.
New College Lanarkshire announced that its nurseries in Coatbridge and Cumbernauld would be closing at the end of the current term due to 'financial challenges' which has resulted in a real terms cut of around £4.3m in the next financial year.
Over the last three years, the college has had to fork out more than £1m in additional funding in order to maintain the nursery provision.
READ MORE: Dad slams Glasgow NHS after son beaten black and blue with pool cue in hospital
The closure of the childcare centres means that over 30 members of staff face the prospect of redundancy or redeployment, the Daily Record reported.
Now, the college has decided to keep the nurseries open until December 31 2023.
A spokesperson said: “We promised we would listen, engage and be attentive to suggestions, views and options put forward by staff, parents, unions and other stakeholders in our community and have done so.
"We fully recognise the value and importance of the different perspectives others can provide and recognise these insights can inform and advance our thinking.
Will your child be affected by these closures? If so, email our reporter at fahad.tariq@reachplc.com to share your concerns...
“The significant financial challenges that the college faces remain but we are conscious of our need to provide time and space to further explore the ways in which we might operate our nurseries differently.
“Consequently, the college will continue to directly operate our nurseries in Cumbernauld and Coatbridge until December 31st 2023.
"This extension period will provide an opportunity to interrogate alternative approaches to how our nurseries are financially supported.
“We are conscious of the very significant impact this situation has caused and the resulting anxiety for staff, families and the other networks affected. We will continue to listen and engage closely with all of them over the coming weeks and months.”
READ NEXT:
Glasgow toddler born with two bladders and uteri lives 'in pain everyday' due to rare condition
Glasgow's Sighthill bridge blighted by overflowing rubbish, rats and dog poo
Concerns growing for missing Airdrie woman who vanished more than a week ago
Glasgow Low Emission Zone enforcement to begin next week - everything you need to know
Scotland star Billy Gilmour stalked by 'erratic' influencer who faked pregnancy
