Calls for more men to work in the early years as part of £20 million Professional Development Programme

More men are to be encouraged into careers in nurseries and early years settings, in a new project to provide more diverse role models for children before they start school.

With men making up just three per cent of early years staff in England, the project aims to break down the barriers that prevent men entering careers in children’s early education, including the myth that men are less suited to caring roles.

Children’s and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi announced a £30,000 grant to support the scheme and help provide more male role models for children in the early years.

The project, run by the Fatherhood Institute, will challenge the stereotypes that exist around men’s roles in early education, using relatable case-studies from men who have left other careers – including an ex-lorry driver and a young art student. 

The grant will also help fund a national conference to further promote early years careers to fathers, other men with experience of looking after children and those with an existing interest in improving children’s early education. 

The Fatherhood Institute’s project forms part of the government’s wider efforts to give children the best start in life by strengthening the early years workforce, including the Department’s £20 million Professional Development Programme targeted at better training for early years staff working in more deprived areas.

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https://www.fenews.co.uk/press-releases/28631-calls-for-more-men-to-work-in-the-early-years-as-part-of-20-million-professional-development-programme?