David Wright reflects on the comments made by Andrea Leadsom, available here. The Bristol Men In Early Years Network states its endorsement for this article. As a city wide network working to challenge commonly held perceptions and stereotypes around men in the early years, we shall continue working to ensure that more men are welcomed into the sector and are having a positive impact on children’s lives, just as they should.
This is a principle of human rights. Boys and girls have a right to be cared for by men and women and men have the right to work with young children. It is not for jumped up hacks to dictate to our society how we should think and act. Nor is it the place of the tabloid press to print such inflammatory and prejudiced propaganda.