Practitioners working in an Early Years setting should be observant of promoting positive male inclusive practice.
1) LOOK AT THE WORLD FROM THE CHILD’S POINT OF VIEW
Most children need a male role model who care a great deal for them, therefore staff will need to interact with theses role models
2) RECOGNISE AND SUPPORT FATHER-FIGURESA male role is just as important as a mother’s role. Support both the male-figure and the female figure equally, they are important.
3) HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF FATHERSMost male role models are present in a children’s life, so be observant of fathers’ who are not present.
4) CARRY OUT A MALE INVOLVEMENT AUDITAudit 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.
5) REVIEW YOUR CHILD/FAMILY REGISTRATION FORMSOur 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.
6) INVITE DADS PERSONALLY TO SPECIFIC ACTIVITIESMale 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.
7) LIMIT YOUR USE OF THE ‘P’ WORD!Writing ‘mums and dads’ or ‘ mothers and fathers’ is a better way to address fathers and makes them feel included and important.
8) TELL DADS HOW THEIR INVOLVEMENT BENEFITS THEIR KIDSMost 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.
9) LEAD FROM THE TOPAll staff need to work with male models, not just one! Management needs to be vigilant and demonstrate inclusive practice.
10) BE INTOLERANT OF FAILURE TO ENGAGE WITH DADSMale role models need to be involved in the process of working with other professionals and any early interventions to help their children.