Nurseries Urged to Improve Communication

A joint project between the Pre-School Learning Alliance and Derby University's Early Childhood Studies department has reported that nurseries and other early learning establishments should have training in order to communicate better with fathers who drop off and pick up their children.

The views of around 40 fathers in various locations were sought and the general feeling amongst many questionned was that they found nurseries an intimidating place for men. And many of the nurseries also questionned felt this was certainly the case.

The good news is that some of the fathers questionned did comment on "father friendly" activities such as football sessions which made them feel more welcome and part of the group of parents. Conversly, some fathers felt they wanted to get away from such stereotypical "male" activities and suggested nurseries could be thinking more creatively to engage fathers. One example of this was a nursery who was now running cookery clubs for fathers.

Mark Burdett of NCi Nursery, The UK Nursery Insurance Brokers had this to say about the report, "Having spoken to many of our nursery insurance customers over the years, it has certainly become clear that the role of any male within the pre school education sector is changing. This change includes more male members of staff and now recognising that fathers have an active role to play in not just their childrens development and learning but also nursery life. I think nurseries are already aware of the importance of making both children and parents comfortable at their nursery and many are taking steps to ensure fathers no longer see nurseries as intimidating places,"

NCi Nursery are UK Nursery Insurance Experts and to receive a Nursery Insurance Quote simply visit www.ncinursery.co.uk