Setting out a four-point plan for addressing the shortage of men in the early years workforce, the foundation said while the issue has long been debated it is time for action to be taken.
The plan calls for the creation of a Men in Early Years Advisory Group to monitor and assess progress in male early years worker recruitment twice a year, as well as a professional development programme for the sector that recognises and rewards the contribution both genders make to childcare services.
It also calls for the recruitment of early years male role models who can encourage more male recruits by acting as ambassadors in schools, colleges and careers fairs.
It adds that there must be greater support and acceptance for men working in childcare in the sector, among the press and parents.
The foundation's call coincides with news that two in three councils that provide nursery services do not employ any men and a report on the early years workforce by the Education Policy Institute found that 97 per cent of nursery staff are women.
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