Male staff at a nursery group have been making their mark on the early years sector.
Portland Nurseries, which are based in Lindley and Edgerton, now employs six men across three of its sites.
This accounts for six per cent of their workforce - more than double the national average for children’s nurseries.
The children respond well to them and they act as positive role models for the boys.
Youngsters at the nurseries continually learn the importance of nature and caring for their environment.
During the festive season the male staff members picked up their spades to explain that a Christmas tree is not just for Christmas.
The children planted their old Christmas trees so that they can have them for many years to come and decorate them in their natural environment.
Co-General Manager Anastasia Murphy said: “We have been lucky to see males coming forward in this area, but there is still a gender imbalance in the workforce and childcare sector nationally.
“We are constantly looking for more men to join our team, as they bring a whole new dimension of practice to the settings!
“The female employees and mothers of the children all happily welcome males in the nurseries.
“We’ve also noticed that the level of interaction with fathers has improved, as they help to make them feel comfortable in what is a mostly female environment.”
Portland Nurseries aim to continually attract young men to careers in childcare.
The group emphasises the benefits and potential career progression of working within the industry.
The six male employees span all areas of the company, from managers and cooks to practitioners and apprentices.
