Men in Childcare Edinburgh
Summary Details
Men in Childcare began 10 years ago, when colleges in the Edinburgh area set up accredited training courses for men. There are now male workers at various child and family centres in Edinburgh such as Gilmerton Children and Family Centre.
Target Group
Targets men to work in childcare and related professions.
Approach
A wide range of publicity materials have been used to recruit men into childcare work and onto courses including posters, flyers, radio and newspaper adverts. These use the message ‘men can care too’.
Outcomes
Various free Men in Childcare courses are held across the country and so far over 1,200 men have attended. The courses and organisation have received publicity in the media, and its outcomes are monitored by other organisations throughout the world.
Strengths
Direct advertising, high levels of support, a complete pathway of training and establishing good relationships with colleges have led to so many men successfully completing training. Course costs, which my be a barrier to education and training, are met.
Men in Childcare have international links with similar organisations in Europe, America and New Zealand who they share information and experiences with. They receive both national and European funding.
Children benefit from having men in childcare, as they may have different perspectives to women. Some may not have any other males in caring roles at home. Fathers may find nurseries and family centres more male friendly with male workers, and women with bad experiences may benefit from meeting ‘safe males’. Staff benefit from the differing perspectives of men and women.
Further Information
Kenny Spence, Project Manager
Telephone: 0131 664 1202
Membership of Men in Childcare is free and provides regular updates and information.
www.meninchildcare.co.uk
