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13/03/2013
DUP Meet Cllrs Over UUJ Child Care Closure
East Antrim MLA Alastair Ross and North Belfast MLA Paula Bradley were this morning joined by Newtownabbey Councillors Robert Hill and Billy Ball for a meeting at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown to raise concerns about the closure of child care facilities at the campus.
Commenting after the meeting, Mr Ross said: The University of Ulster is well known for its 'widening access' philosophy, and the ability to provide child care for parents of young children to go to university is a key component of that strategy.
"At our meeting this morning we were able to examine a number of possibilities, including the possibility of a private provider or social enterprise taking over the existing facilities on campus. This option may be the best alternative as the university have said that they will work with interested parties to facilitate this if a suitable provider comes forward."
Paula Bradley MLA added: "Given that the university are not going to change their decision to close the child care facility, we wanted to look at practical options for parents and staff at the nursery. I am pleased that the university have engaged with the unions and are in a position to work with staff to upskill them or help them transition to alternative work.
"We discussed whether a deferral of the closure would be feasible, but this can often lead to difficulties as existing staff are already looking for alternative employment.
"I believe that the meeting was a positive one, and I am content that the university will continue to do what they can to support student parents."
(CD)
Commenting after the meeting, Mr Ross said: The University of Ulster is well known for its 'widening access' philosophy, and the ability to provide child care for parents of young children to go to university is a key component of that strategy.
"At our meeting this morning we were able to examine a number of possibilities, including the possibility of a private provider or social enterprise taking over the existing facilities on campus. This option may be the best alternative as the university have said that they will work with interested parties to facilitate this if a suitable provider comes forward."
Paula Bradley MLA added: "Given that the university are not going to change their decision to close the child care facility, we wanted to look at practical options for parents and staff at the nursery. I am pleased that the university have engaged with the unions and are in a position to work with staff to upskill them or help them transition to alternative work.
"We discussed whether a deferral of the closure would be feasible, but this can often lead to difficulties as existing staff are already looking for alternative employment.
"I believe that the meeting was a positive one, and I am content that the university will continue to do what they can to support student parents."
(CD)
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