For former petrol-pump attendant Anthony Duly, looking after young children hardly seemed an obvious career move. Nevertheless, watching him in the Sure Start creche in Chesterfield, it is clear he's a natural with children. The children look up at him, and shriek with joy while going about the serious business of play.
"When I leave for work, I know I will be paid to play," he enthuses. "But the job is about making a positive difference in children's lives."
Duly went into childcare just over a year ago, after attending an eight-week course run by the Childcare for Men project in Derbyshire. Since the initiative started in September 2003, it has received more than 90 calls from men interested in the scheme. Eighteen of these have since trained in childcare, taking courses part-time in practical play and play work, which are funded by the Government's Sure Start initiative through the Open College Network. Childcare for Men also covers subjects such as first aid, equal opportunities, child protection and disabilities.
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