NAHT calls for more male teachers in early years education

School leader union NAHT will be supporting a motion calling for more male teachers in Early Years education at the union’s annual conference in April on Friday 4 May.

Men only make up three per cent of the Early Years workforce, the union says.

James Bowen, director of NAHT Edge, said: “It’s important for all children to experience positive male role models, and to understand that men can be interested in education, science or reading, just as much as in football. A diverse Early Years workforce can help children, especially those from deprived backgrounds, to visualise their futures and fulfil their educational potential.

“The lack of male teachers in early years is partly due to the perceived lack of status and importance this phase of education can have, and the subsequent lower pay early years roles can attract. This fails to recognise that Early Years education is one of the most vital moments in a child’s education, and the point at which attainment and life chances can be set.

“It is critical that Early Years specialist teachers and middle and senior leaders are valued and recognised by governing boards and senior leaders. We call on the DfE to recognise the importance of Early Years’ representation on school senior leadership teams and governing boards, as well as bringing a stronger focus on Early Years pedagogy to initial teacher training in order to protect, strengthen and improve the quality of Early Years provision in schools.”

The motion states: ‘The conference calls on the DfE to acknowledge the low numbers of men employed in the Early Years. We believe that this can restrict opportunities for all children to experience positive male role models and can prevent some children, especially those from deprived backgrounds, from fulfilling their educational potential. We need to encourage a more diverse sector and call on the DfE to work with the sector to identify ways to encourage more men into the Early Years.’