A mum has said she is “shocked” that a nursery rated ‘outstanding’ has been threatened with closure.

Middlesex University in Hendon is currently carrying a consultation on proposals to permanently close its nursery, which provides pre-school places for staff and students.

Campaigners, including lecturer and Borehamwood councillor Dan Ozarow, have claimed that the plans are a “shocking cost-cutting move” that will harm parents and children.

Middlesex University has said that it is having to make some “difficult decisions” due to “the current challenging financial situation”.

But campaigners have challenged these claims, highlighting that at the end of July last year, the education provider revealed that it had £81.8 million in cash assets.

Two protests against the proposals, which would impact 14 staff members and around 80 children and their parents, are now planned for today and tomorrow (June 27 to 28).

A change.org petition against the closure has so far received more than 1,200 signatures.

Rashmi, a 34-year-old mum who lives locally, said she was “deeply shocked” at news her two-year-old may not have a nursery at the end of this school year.

She added: “As [a] working mum, I understand first-hand the critical role that Middlesex University Nursery plays in supporting parents, allowing us to pursue our job while knowing my child is in a safe and nurturing environment at an OFSTED-rated 'outstanding' nursery located within the Uuniversity campus.

“The closure of the nursery is a significant challenge as we now face the daunting task of finding alternative childcare arrangements, mid-year.”

Education watchdog Ofsted rated the nursery, located in The Burroughs, ‘outstanding’ at its last inspection in 2020.

Inspectors said at the time that children are “visibly happy, inquisitive and highly motivated to learn”, while staff “create a rich environment where children thrive”.

Commenting on the future of the nursery, a Middlesex University spokesperson said: “Middlesex is proud to have provided heavily subsidised childcare through the nursery at our London campus for many years.  

“Due to the current challenging financial situation that is impacting on individuals and businesses throughout the country, we are having to make some very difficult decisions.

“We have explored many options to enable us to keep the nursery open but unfortunately we are now in the process of consulting on the closure of the nursery.”

Protestors will be outside the College Building of the university at 2.30pm tomorrow, and at 5.30pm on Thursday.