A NURSERY, closed by Aberystwyth University in a cost-cutting move last month, received a glowing report in its last ever inspection, the Cambrian News can reveal.

Unaware that it would be closing, Estyn invited staff and leaders at Penglais nursery to “prepare a written case study describing the excellent practice identified during the inspection” following the inspectors visit in June.

The Cambrian News reported early last year that Aberystwyth University was looking at plans to close Penglais Nursery, after it posted losses of over £150,000.

The three full-time and 15 part-time staff at the nursery lost their jobs when the university announced that the nursery would close on 1 August.

Parents warned that the closure of the nursery - which leaves the university with no child-care facilities at all - would affect student numbers and stop prospective students who are also parents coming to Aberystwyth to study.

Despite the university saying that the losses at the nursery were “unsustainable”, inspectors said that “considering the quality of teaching, care and guidance, the setting provides good value for money”.

The glowing report into the nursery - which could host up to 73 children five days a week - said it was a “happy and welcoming community in which pupils’ health and wellbeing have a high priority.”

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