Drive to increase numbers of male childcarers

Marion Clayton, cabinet member for achievement and learning, said: "Working with children and young people should also be a job for the boys. In childcare you have great potential to change the lives of children and young people for the better, and for this we need to work towards a better balance between women and men. It's a demanding job, but very rewarding and I do hope more men will see the career opportunities open to them in this area."
The drive follows national research by the Children's Workforce Development Council showing 55 per cent of parents want a male childcare worker for their nursery-aged children, and two thirds of lone parent mothers want a man involved in the care and development of their children.
Nationally two per cent of those in the childcare profession are male.
Shetha Haider, early years and childcare workforce development manager, said: "This is the prime aim of 'Men's Work: Choices in Childcare', which will cover training and career options for men, including interview, assertiveness and presentation skills, health and safety, safeguarding children, and equal opportunities.
"It's vital that we attract more men to the childcare workforce. Male role models have a very positive impact on children's development and achievement."
A series of free taster training and information sessions are set to take place in Aylesbury and High Wycombe.
The first is due to take place on November 28 at Booker Park School, Aylesbury, and is followed by four evening sessions in January. A second course, will take place at High Wycombe YMCA, on February 13 next year.
Details can be found here.