Nurseries take root

In the article "Unions unite in childcare campaign" (THES, February 2), Working for Childcare was said to estimate that only 28 per cent of higher education institutions had nurseries in 1995.

My own survey of 250 higher education institutions in England, Scotland and Wales, including the individual colleges of Oxford, Cambridge and London, indicates a higher proportion.

From a 72 per cent response, 50.5 per cent of institutions stated that they have day nursery facilities. If Oxford, Cambridge and London universities are taken as single institutions, 75 per cent of institutions provide facilities.

The questionnaire survey was carried out during the autumn term of 1995.

A. Birchenough Director of academic affairs Cardiff Institute of Higher Education