Exploring gender diversity in the childcare workforce

With males accounting for just 3 percent of the childcare and early years workforce, we believe now is the time to actively encourage and support gender diversity within the sector. According to the Gender Diversification in the Early Years Workforce 2020?report, less than 1 in 5 of childcare managers' report actively working to recruit men into their settings. Here, we explore why gender diversity within the childcare sector matters and look at ways that male practitioners can be supported within their roles to encourage retention.??

Why gender diversity matters and the benefits of a mixed workforce?

It’s no secret that the childcare sector is facing a longstanding recruitment crisis and the problem could certainly be eased by recruiting more men into the sector.???

Research shows that childcare is a ‘genderless’ job, meaning men offer the same level of skills and roles to settings as their female colleagues, however, men can sometimes fall victim to being excluded from certain tasks within the workplace through unconscious bias or gender stereotyping.?It is vital to challenge gender stereotypes within the sector, and this is easier to do if the workplace is mixed.??

Mixed gender workforces allow children to have greater exposure to gender awareness and sensitivity. It encourages conversations around gender, giving the opportunity for myths and stereotypes to be challenged. It also gives children a broader outlook on 'gender roles' within the workplace and life in general.???

3 ways to support male practitioners working in the childcare sector?

The findings of the?Gender Eye 2020 report?also show that 51% of men (compared to just 6% of women) have contemplated leaving the profession due to concerns around sexual abuse allegations. It is clear that in order to retain men in the sector, support from managers and settings is needed to ensure they feel adequately supported and safeguarded in their roles.???

1. Settings should create a consistent message and ethos of diversity within the workplace and actively work to recruit more men into their vacancies. This could be through the use of diversity within imagery on social media and other digital platforms, or by expressing their interest in recruiting male professionals/apprentices.??
2. Settings should consider the challenges that male practitioners can potentially face and provide them with additional support so they feel equipped to face these challenges confidently.??
3. Challenge unconscious bias and gender stereotyping within the workplace, ensuring male staff have access to all parts of their role (intimate care, rough and tumble play etc). Sensitively address parental concerns with reassurance of the safeguarding policies and procedures whilst challenging gender stereotypes that might be a contributing factor.?

What other ways could settings attract a more diverse workforce??

1. By providing outstanding career focussed Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG), with a range of pathways for all people considering working in childcare or education, settings will attract a more diverse mix of applicants, including men. Career pathways could include the full range of children’s and young people's services, teaching and social work.
2. With life expectancy increasing, more people are adopting a semi-retirement approach in their older years, sometimes leaving their career or full-time roles and seeking part-time or more family friendly work. Here they are able to make a difference in the lives of others through their ‘lived’ life skills. Settings that are able to offer flexible or part-time roles may wish to consider recruitment campaigns that offer this type of flexibility and focus.?

For more information and resources on gender diversity within childcare, visit the Gender EYE (Gender Diversification of the Early Years Workforce: Recruiting and Supporting Male Practitioners) website.?Read the full report below?

https://gendereye.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/gendereye-final-end-of-project-report-28-oct.pdf?

How can we help??

We are a specialist UK training provider who have been offering fulfilling childcare apprenticeships in the UK for over 10 years. We offer free recruitment services to business partners with apprenticeship vacancies, and have helped hundreds of individuals to start their careers in Childcare and Early Years Education.???

Get in touch to find out more about our range of apprenticeships:?[email protected]?