Ask the Expert: Recruiting men at a nursery

I want to recruit a male member of staff at our nursery. What advice can you give?

Research shows that children like having men as well as women to learn from and to observe in caring roles. Parents and female staff also like to have men in the workplace. I employ lots of men and launched the London Network of Men in Childcare last month.

Advertise clearly and broadly and think about where men look for jobs. Talk to your Jobcentre and visit schools and colleges for either apprentices or newly qualified staff.

Prepare your own team to welcome a male staff member. If people leave, it is usually in the first six months, so it’s best to have a good induction. Men don’t take kindly to stereotyping them as the football kings, the rough and tumble experts or the DIY wizards. Like all staff they expect to be treated as individuals employed to provide superb care and education to small children.

Consider your parents’ reactions. Male staff need support from the top, especially if facing adult prejudice and media-fuelled hysteria.

Answered by June O'Sullivan, chief executive of the childcare charity and social enterprise, the London Early Years Foundation

Email questions, marked “Experts”, to cypnow@markallengroup.com