Features

Management Queries: How to work with parents on gender play?

How should a setting react when a parent tells it that they do not want their son to wear dresses from the home corner? Gabriella Jozwiak asks our panel

Q. A mum is angry that we took a photo of her son wearing a dress from the role-play area. She has requested that we do not allow him to take part in any ‘girls’ activities. How can we address this?

Luke Page, executive head teacher, Triangle Nursery School

‘We have had similar situations. Our response has been to explain that we encourage all types of play to support development.

‘Initially, we would meet the parent face-to-face to discuss this. We would follow this up in the next whole-school newsletter by emphasising the importance of encouraging children’s diverse play. Explain to the parent that the early years curriculum is based on recognising and celebrating similarities and differences. We must ensure children have every opportunity to learn about the world around them – different families, cultures and traditions.

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