University of Glasgow
General information
The University of Glasgow Nursery is located at 28 Hillhead Street. All University of Glasgow employees, Agency staff working at the University and matriculated postgraduates/undergraduates reading for a degree or other qualification are eligible to use the Nursery, subject to availability of places, which are in particularly high demand for under twos. The University is not able to guarantee that places will be available for any age group. ‘External’ applicants who are neither students nor staff of the University may apply on the understanding that their place(s) shall be surrendered on one month's notice in the event of the place(s) being required for children of University staff or students. ‘External’ status also applies to students of Associated Colleges and to staff working at the University whose contract of employment is other than with the University of Glasgow. The Childcare Committee is responsible for admission arrangements and liaises closely with the Nursery contractor, who has discretion to allocate places in the 2-5 age-ranges.
Because of the competition for places, especially in the 0-2 years range, the Childcare Committee (which is made up of 4 University staff including Human Resources and union nominees, and the SRC President) operates a priority rating system for all 0-2 applications in order to facilitate placements. The Committee has agreed that priority should be given to applicants whose circumstances make it extremely difficult for them to return to or take up work or study at the University without a nursery place for their child. Specific criteria used in the priority rating system are single parenthood, both parents being staff and/or students at the University, and having a sibling already in place at the Nursery, but any other family information may also be taken into account. It is therefore essential when filling in the application form that parents give the Committee as much information as possible.
As a result of the priority system, the waiting list operates on an ongoing basis, and not on a fixed 'first come first served' basis.
The Nursery is managed by Childcare (Scotland) Limited.
The Nursery is registered to accommodate up to 74 children (18 places for 6 weeks-2 year olds; 24 places for 2-3 year olds; and 32 places for 3-5 year olds) on a full- or part-time basis. The Nursery opens from 0800h to 1800h Monday to Friday throughout the calendar year, except for a 2-week period over Christmas and New Year and certain public holidays. To maximise the use of the Nursery, places are normally full-time for 50 weeks of the year. Fee invoices are issued monthly. Places and fee rates for part-time use will be considered at the discretion of Childcare (Scotland) Ltd. and parents must state clearly their precise needs on the application form.
Fees are reviewed annually in August. With effect from 1st September 2012 fees are as follows: £590 per month full-time; £295 per month part-time (based on 2½ days per week); £27.24 per day session. Fees include snacks but not lunches. Prepared feeds for babies and packed lunches are supplied by parents. Childcare (Scotland) Ltd will be happy to discuss alternative lunch arrangements if required.
Once a place has been taken, parents will conclude a contract with Childcare (Scotland) Ltd and the appropriate fee will be payable to Childcare (Scotland) Ltd one month in advance and monthly thereafter even where, for example, a child is ill and cannot attend the Nursery. A calendar month’s notice will be required when a place is given up.
The University has demonstrated its interest in developing a first class facility by the provision of rent- and maintenance-free accommodation. A lump sum fee subsidy has been provided by the University Court.
University of Glasgow staff and matriculated students may apply to the University Court for assistance with Nursery fees based on the following guidelines, which apply from 1st August 2012:
Total Family Gross Income (annual) University Subsidy (annual)
Band 1 up to £7000 up to £2928
Band 2 £7001 to £10000 £2628
Band 3 £10001 to £13000 £2340
Band 4 £13001 to £16000 £1752
Band 5 £16001 to £19000 £1464
Band 6 £19001 to £22000 £876
Band 7 over £22000 nil
Please note that the fund available is strictly limited and a subsidy for parents in the above income bands is not guaranteed. Figures above are based on a full-time Nursery place; if a part-time place were taken up, any subsidy awarded would be on a pro-rata basis.
Students may contact the SRC Welfare Adviser for information on other sources of funding assistance.
Application forms are available from the Court Office Reception, Gilbert Scott Building, University of Glasgow (telephone: 0141 330 6441).
Further information on waiting lists for Nursery places and Childcare (Scotland) Ltd’s childcare policy is available from the Manager at the Nursery. General enquiries about the day-to-day operation of the Nursery are also handled by the Manager, University of Glasgow Nursery, 28 Hillhead Street, The University, Tel. 0141 334 4650.
Completed application forms should be returned to The Court Office, Gilbert Scott Building, University of Glasgow (telephone: 0141 330 6441), marked 'Nursery Application'.
Deborah Maddern
Secretary
Childcare Facilities Committee
August 2012