10 tips for a positive male inclusive practice

Practitioners working in an Early Years setting should be observant of promoting positive male inclusive practice.

 Most children need a male role model who care a great deal for them, therefore staff will need to interact with theses role models

 A male role is just as important as a mother’s role. Support both the male-figure and the female figure equally, they are important.

Most male role models are present in a children’s life, so be observant of fathers’ who are not present.

 Audit the Fathers and men who work in your service. Audit staff attitudes and practice communicating with the fathers. You can then study the data and find ways of using this in your practice.

Our TOP TIP is to compile data on fathers’ and male role figure’, methodically. Often, you will need to explore further than the word of the mothers in order to gain essential information.

Male role models  need to be involved in their child’s education, so why not invite them along to group activities. If they don’t show make sure you contact them to question why. Create displays with pictures  to make them feel included and make sure the activity is offered at a reasonable time.

 Writing ‘mums and dads’ or ‘ mothers and fathers’ is a better way to address fathers and makes them feel included and important.

Most children will benefit from having both their parents attending these activities and father figures are more likely to attend when they realise how this benefits their child.

All staff need to work with male models, not just one! Management needs to be vigilant and demonstrate inclusive practice.

Male role models need to be involved in the process of working with other professionals and any early interventions to help their children.