University of Worcester calls for more men in early years education

An estimate of between two and three per cent of the workforce are currently caring for children from birth to five-years-old in school, childminding or in social work.

Bradley Layton, who studied early years, professional practice foundation degree at the university and is currently doing a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship, said: “Growing up without a father meant that I saw male teachers as a father figure and role model.

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“I would love to see both males and females in this profession, as I think they both play a vital role to children’s development."

He added: “When I worked in a day nursery, I worked with a child who had an adopted mother.

"He looked up to me as a father figure and we found that his challenging behaviour became less frequent after he formed an attachment to me.

“As the number of male teachers increases when children go to secondary school, it’s important that children are able to build bonds and relationships with males at an early age.”

Christopher Griffiths, who studied for his early year foundation degree and has just graduated alongside working four days a week in primary schools and as a swimming teacher, also joined the call.

He said: “I have come to realise that as a society, we need to be more accepting of men who love working with children.

“The only way this can change is by seeing more men in early years.”

Michelle Malomo, a senior lecturer at the university's School of Education and qualified early years and play work practitioner with experience in the early years sector, said: “At the university, I watch the development of the male students in the way they bring a different perspective to conversations in class, and it’s such a wonderful thing to see.”

“I’ve seen in our male students the ripple effect they can have in a group, as well as helping all of us understand what it means to be a male in the early years sector.”