CYP Now - In Practice: Know how

While fathers are playing a greater role in the care of their children, many are still reluctant to get involved in children's centres and extended schools. However, evidence suggests that male involvement in their children's education has a long-term beneficial impact on both educational outcomes and social and emotional development. The Government is also keen to encourage fathers to contribute to the delivery of services.

Fathers may be put off by the female-dominated nature of children'sservices. Men make up just one per cent of staff in playgroups andpre-schools. A greater presence of male staff and volunteers could makefathers more relaxed about attending.

General invitations to all parents to get involved do not succeed inattracting more than a minority of fathers. Centres may be perceived asso welcoming to mothers that they inadvertently exclude fathers.Stressing a positive, welcoming attitude to fathers will be needed,letting them know that you are specifically looking for theirinvolvement.

Find out where dad is. Get his details when the mother registers.Fathers may frequently drop kids off without coming into the centre, andthis can be a good time to make contact. Getting in touch with fathersto ask them if they would like attend may also pay dividends.

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