Disadvantaged young men to train in childcare

Under the programme, being run by the Fatherhood Institute, young men will be able to complete either a 12-week, or 25-week course to train as a childcare professional.

The initiative is being run in Tower Hamlets, London, with schools and colleges in the area already being asked to refer suitable people to sign up for the course, which begins in September.

The Fatherhood Institute said it is running the scheme, called Young Men Into Childcare, to try to increase the number of men in childcare.

Most recent Department for Education statistics show that only around two per cent of early education and childcare staff are men.

If the scheme is successful it could be set up in other parts of the country.

“Governments have been talking about wanting to improve male representation in the early years workforce for many years now, but we’re still a long way from cracking this,” said Adrienne Burgess, chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute.

“Through the Young Men Into Childcare programme we want to make a difference – and, along with other pockets of good practice, help move things forward.

“Our message to young men is this: you’re just as capable of making a success of a career in early years and childcare.

“Be a pioneer. We’re here to support you.”