Take Your Dad to Nursery Day, to be launched on 24 January, askssettings to organise an open day for fathers and male carers. Theinitiative is part of the DCSF recruitment campaign 'Working in EarlyYears - It's not just child's play', aimed at men and minority groups.High-profile supporters include radio presenter Neil Fox, who recentlyvisited Violet Melchett Children's Centre in Chelsea (News, 15November).
A free communications toolkit, available at www.surestart.gov.uk, givestips on how to publicise the day and father-friendly activity ideas.
Nine ambassador nurseries will be holding their days on 24 January. Oneis the nursery at Fazakerley Children's Centre in Liverpool, whichemploys two male nursery nurses and already runs a Saturday playgroupfor fathers. Nursery manager Nuala O'Hagan said, 'We've just put out ourinvitations and will be hoping for dads to pop in throughout the day.We've also prepared letters for the dads' employers so they will be morelikely to get time off.'
