The future of a top nursery is at risk after college top brass plan to close its doors.
The West College Scotland facility in Paisley looks after pre-schoolers of both students and locals.
At its last official inspection it was given a ‘very good’ five rating on its quality of care and environment.
Unions are now calling for the closure decision to be reversed.
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And they say there is also to be a restructure in the catering department at the Renfrew Road site.
The college also wants to shut the nursery at its Greenock campus.
Unite and Unison, who represent the catering and nursery workers, are supporting calls from the students and the local community to keep the nurseries open.
They claim the nurseries are a ‘lifeline’ service.
The Paisley nursery runs Monday to Friday during term time.
The trade unions have written to the Minister for Children and Young People, Clare Haughey MSP, and education minister Jamie Hepburn MSP.
Unite and Unison have demanded the nurseries remain open for at least one more year in order to properly consider alternative proposals.
Alison Maclean, Unite industrial officer, said: “We are calling on the West College Scotland Board to lift the immediate threat of closure of the nurseries and to think again about cutting their campus catering provision at a time when students are beginning to return to campus.
“If this plan goes ahead then it will have a massive impact on the workforce and the student parents who rely on this lifeline service. It’s also vital that local politicians step up – it is clear the local communities and parents want these facilities protected, and they should get the backing of their public representatives.”
Lorcan Mullen, UNISON regional organiser, added: “UNISON fully supports its members in the fight to save the West College nurseries, and calls on the local communities and public representatives to back the parent-led petition to save these vital services.
”While formal dispute and the threat of strike action has forced the employer to drop compulsory redundancies, and seen some improvements to the consultation process, we want to make clear our opposition to the current proposals.
“The West College principal and board urgently need to reconsider the proposed closures and cuts to catering provision, and give front line staff the space and time to properly work through counter-proposals.”
Amy McDonald, Vice Principal of Operations, said the college remains "unequivocally committed to providing further education to the communities we serve".
But she said: "However, to ensure that education provision is maintained to the highest standard the College must continue to be financially sustainable.
“This means that difficult decisions are having to be considered regarding loss-making non-core services, including the proposed closure of cross-campus West College Scotland nursery provision. As we proceed through a consultation process with affected staff members and their union representatives, we have made it clear that any financially feasible alternatives brought to the College’s attention will be given due consideration.
"Proposed changes to catering provision are intended to better meet the needs and demands of those using the services, and enhance the experience of those studying at West College Scotland."
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