Alliance welcomes call to encourage men to pursue a career in childcare
NEWS RELEASE
21 July 2005
Alliance welcomes call to encourage men to pursue a career in childcare
Early years charity the Pre-school Learning Alliance today welcomed the report into the role of men in childcare released by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), Men into Childcare.
The charity has consistently worked to encourage more men and fathers to be involved in childcare. Recent research carried out by the Alliance's Fathers Project echoed the EOC's findings that traditional gender roles are a barrier to men becoming involved in childcare. Several pilot projects are now being undertaken by the project to find successful ways to encourage men to get involved, including tackling gender role expectations in childcare settings.
Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance said:
"We welcome the recommendations from the Equal Opportunities Commission to raise the status, career prospects and pay of childcare workers. There is a clear need to improve the diversity of the workforce by engaging men as well as other underrepresented groups. In order to reach the levels of childcare workers needed to fulfill the government's ten-year plan, it is vital that childcare is seen as a valid career for both men and women.
In Alliance member pre-schools and early years settings, men make up 5 per cent of the workforce, compared to only 2-3 per cent of the childcare workforce over all. We are understandably proud of this progress, but it is important to keep working towards a more diverse and respected workforce by breaking down barriers."
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Anna Roberts
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7278 9037
Out of hours press calls: 07979 531 130
E: Anna Roberts
Notes for Editors:
- The Pre-school Learning Alliance links 15,000 pre-schools and 500,000 young children and their families in England. Established in 1961 and registered as an educational charity, the Alliance is the national dimension of the pre-school movement. The charity is involved in more Sure Start projects than any other organisation and operates a number of Neighbourhood Nurseries. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk.
- Copies of Fathers Involvement in Early Years Settings: Findings From Research are available from the Pre-school Learning Alliance. Please contact anna.roberts@pre-school.org.uk
- The Equal Opportunities Commission report Men Into Childcare can be downloaded from www.eoc.org.uk