Ongoing support for UTS childcare facilities

An important part of UTS's commitment to supporting staff and students with caring responsibilities, as reflected in our Staff and Students with Carer Responsibilities Policy, is supporting the provision of affordable childcare services near the campus, which we do through our support of UTS Child Care (UTSCC). 

A declining number of UTS staff and students using UTSCC childcare services has led to the consolidation of two centres, with Blackfriars transferring to new owners in January next year. While parents and carers have been given options to transition to Magic Pudding or keep their children at Blackfriars, there has been some community concern about the future of childcare services at UTS.

Supporting parents and carers at UTS remains a priority, and this update outlines our ongoing engagement with UTSCC to support its long-term sustainability.

How we support UTSCC 

UTSCC is an independent not‑for‑profit entity with UTS as a funding partner is to operate and manage local childcare services. It is governed by its own Board and manages its own operations, finances and strategic decision making.

As part of our commitment to support equitable access to childcare, UTS provides an annual funding commitment to UTSCC (totalling $270,000 per year in 2026 and 2027). UTS also provides in-kind support to assist with rent and rates, allowing UTSCC to offer subsidised childcare. UTSCC also receives funding and support from other organisations including ActivateUTS, the ABC and the City of Sydney. 

UTSCC is in strong financial position, holding approximately $3 million in cash and financial assets as of December 2025.  

Although UTSCC independently makes its own operational decisions, we have a responsibility as a funding partner to ensure that ongoing support is based on clear, sustainable and well‑governed plans. 

Future support 

UTS has committed funding support through to the end of 2027 and continues to work with the UTSCC Board to understand their plans beyond that period and the support required for their long-term strategic planning.

Our current engagement with the UTSCC Board is focused on ensuring there is a clear strategic direction for the future of childcare services and a robust and transparent financial plan, including how services will operate sustainably and meet the needs of our staff and students. 

Be assured the university understands the important role childcare plays for our staff and students and is committed to ensuring this is available in the long term. 

We will continue to inform our community of updates.