More men needed in early years

▤ Summary

It is thought that a lack of male staff is due to a combination of factors such as prevailing attitudes, gender stereotyping and low wages, but the impact is the same – many children are not getting as a balanced an input in their early years as they might. In April 2019, the then Children and Families Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, announced a £30,000 grant to support a scheme run by the Fatherhood Institute, as part of a wider funding initiative to develop the general skill level of early years practitioners. That’s why we’re supporting the Fatherhood Institute to encourage men from all walks of life into early years careers, to give children the best start in life and be a part of this important and rewarding sector.” The Fatherhood Institute is already providing a number of practical resources such as the ‘MITEY’ (Men In The Early Years) campaign which is run with help from a steering group of academics, employers and practitioners. It might be a careers adviser that challenges preconceptions about early years roles, or a trade union that helps fight discrimination, or an employer who is willing to confront gender bullying within its own establishment. Whilst we wait for more research-based recommendations to emerge, there are some fundamental things that can be done at grass-roots level, including: The positive promotion of male early years practitioners in booklets, promotional materials and websites including images and case studies Challenging gender bias with parents, staff and the public – for example if they express concerns just because you have a male employee, or if they assume that ‘some jobs are only for women’.

▦ Linked Companies

Parenta

$1M to $5M