Letters: Getting dads involved early

In 2006, the evaluation phase of the alliance's project on involvingfathers in early years settings examined four models of interventionpreviously identified as challenging the various barriers to fathers'involvement.

These models were: male-friendly communications; father-directedactivities; discussions on gender issues within early years settings;and a leaflet for practitioners with tips on including fathers.

Our analysis of the results suggested a key element in greater fatherinvolvement was an awareness of, and commitment to, the issue among thewhole staff team.

Of the 29 alliance member settings that participated in the project, 14indicated they considered themselves to have been successful or quitesuccessful in involving fathers; the unifying research criteria was the"whole team approach" and no other research criteria appeared tocontribute so consistently to the success of these settings.