Nursery World - Scheme woos Scottish men

An Edinburgh scheme to encourage more men into childcare through free training has proved a success and is set to expand across Scotland. The Men in Childcare scheme was launched at three Edinburgh colleges, Telford, Stevenson and Jewel and Esk, last year and has increased the number of male childcare students from one or two a year to 85. The initiative was launched after childcare practitioners and Edinburgh City Council became concerned at the lack of male childcarers.

The Men in Childcare scheme was launched at three Edinburgh colleges, Telford, Stevenson and Jewel and Esk, last year and has increased the number of male childcare students from one or two a year to 85. The initiative was launched after childcare practitioners and Edinburgh City Council became concerned at the lack of male childcarers.

Kenny Spence, manager of Gilmerton Childcare Centre, helped persuade the council to offer a free, accredited childcare induction course specifically aimed at men, although women are welcome to participate. The 16-week course is designed to allow men to make a choice about a career in childcare and can lead to a National Certificate in Childcare and Education. Mr Spence is now in talks with Anniesland College in Glasgow, West Lothian College and East Lothian Council to expand the scheme.

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