On top of that, more than 100 men have made direct enquiries about careers in childcare and early years staff have held information sessions for 37 men.
Why are they doing it? The council hopes the campaign will address the gender imbalance in the local early years workforce. Only 3.5 per cent of Surrey's paid and voluntary childcare staff are men. Despite this, Surrey does employ more men in childcare than other areas. Nationally, men only make up two per cent of the early years workforce.
What do the professionals think? Mary Angell, the council's lead member for children and families, says: "As far as we know this campaign is the only one of its kind in the UK. We are keen to ensure Surrey's children have positive male role models from an early age, and working with children is both a challenging and rewarding career choice." Cheryl Marie, recruitment and retention outreach officer in the early years and childcare service, adds: "We are delighted with the results so far." To find out more, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/meninearlyyears or call 01372 833900.
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