Blunkett encourages men to consider child care

The new secretary of state for Work and Pensions marked the
launch of National Childcare Week this week with a plea for more
men to consider a career in child care.

Visiting the Sure Start centre in Tulse Hill, south London,
David Blunkett said men had a real role to play in child care,
adding that it could help them back into work as well as enabling
them to care for their children.

“Only 2% of those currently working in child care are men,
yet there is much they can give to the profession and that it can
give to them,” Blunkett said.

“Recruiting skilled people to work in child care is a key
priority, but it is also important to get a diverse workforce to
enhance children’s experiences and raise their awareness of
others as role models from an early age.”

His comments coincide with a campaign by the Department for
Education and Skills as part of National Sure Start Month to
attract more people, and particularly men, into child care.

Go to www.nationalsurestartmonth.com