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'Learn how to talk to dads', practitioners are urged

Early years practitioners should have training in how to communicate better with fathers so that dropping off children at nursery becomes less daunting for them, according to a new study.

Researchers interviewed fathers who took their children to nursery and early years practitioners to find out how they related to each other.

The joint project between Derby University's Early Childhood Studies department and the Pre-School Learning Alliance sought the views of around 40 fathers and early years staff at a range of settings, from small pre-schools to children's centres and private nurseries, in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.

Co-author and lecturer in early childhood studies, Andrew Sanders, said, 'What we were asking was for views on the encounter between fathers and practitioners at the nursery door. It's not about men in childcare or father-friendly activities, but about how practitioners feel about the everyday contact they have.

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