Gallery: Male role models highlighted at schools

THE importance of having a male role model in the lives of young children was highlighted during a special event organised by the government. Dads, granddads and male carers were encouraged to take part in the Take Your Dad to Nursery Day, which was held

THE importance of having a male role model in the lives of young children was highlighted during a special event organised by the government.

Dads, granddads and male carers were encouraged to take part in the Take Your Dad to Nursery Day, which was held at nurseries across the region and country.

The Emneth Nursery was just one of the venues which took part in last Thursday's January 24 event and hosted a day full of activities to mark the campaign.

The day itself was part of the Department for Children, Schools and Families campaign, which was to enable men to visit their children's nurseries and experience what working in childcare can really be like.

New figures have revealed that only three per cent of people working in early years in England are men. It is estimated that thousands of people need to be recruited to work in the sector to support the expansion of childcare services.

The campaign aims to encourage people to consider a career in early years and childcare, particularly men.

Dan Sage, 21, from Wisbech, is one of the few men who have decided to pursue a career in childcare and now works at Emneth Nursery School in Hollycroft Road.

He said: "People wouldn't think any differently if you were a male teacher. You can contribute so much working in early years, especially in the world we live in where some families don't have the male influence at home.

"It's so fulfilling watching the children learn. They're like little sponges. It still amazes me how much they can take in. They'll pick up everything you teach them in a day and then come back the next day ready for more. And by working with them I am constantly learning new things."

The campaign has been supported by a number of high profile celebrities including tennis player Greg Rusedski and Radio DJ Neil Fox.

Beverly Hughes MP, minister for children, young people and families, said: "It's important for children to have strong, positive male role models.

"We need more men to work in early years and childcare and to make sure children have a balance of influences in their lives."

# For more information about working in early years and childcare, visit www.childcarecareers.gov.uk or call 0800 996600.