Local MP backs calls for more male teachers in early years education

THE story entitled “MP backs calls for more men to work in early years classrooms” appeared in the Courier on Friday, May 10, issue 1241.

With men making up just three per cent of early years staff in England, Central Devon MP Mel Stride has backed a government-supported project by the charity Fatherhood Institute, which aims to break down the barriers that prevent men from taking up these roles.

The project aims to challenge the stereotypes that exist around men’s roles in early years education and the myth that men are less suited to caring roles.

Men currently make up just three per cent of teachers of two to five-year-olds in and this figure had barely changed in the last 20 years.

The project will spearhead a recruitment drive that will highlight the positive roles that men can play in early years education.

The much-needed £30,000 of funding received by the Fatherhood Institute will help to produce resources which will help men and boys consider careers in early years teaching and will help employers find ways of recruiting and retaining more male staff.

For more information visit: fatherhood institute.org .

Do you think our local schools and nurseries are bucking the trend or do we need more male teachers?

Please let me know your thoughts.

You can contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .

What you told us …

Speaking about the national position, we are a culture of equal opportunity and I think there should be a balance between male and female teachers in primary schools. However it would appear that this is a career path which is not as attractive to male teachers as in previous years. This is not a question of gender, but of opportunity.

Senior Resident, Bow

I don’t think there are enough male teachers. I think it’s a good idea to train more men to become teachers.

Mrs Brown, Crediton

I think it’s a very good idea to train more male teachers. As a child minder I don’t think I’ve come across any male practitioners at nursery level in Crediton. Hayward’s and Landscore Primary School both have male teachers. I don’t think there are enough men willing to give it a go because it’s still an area dominated by female teachers and men need to be supported and encouraged to become teachers. How do you convince more men to become teachers when so many teachers are currently leaving the profession?

Claire Newbery