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Positive Relationships: All in a day's work - welcoming fathers

Dads can be difficult to include in nursery life, but it's worth the effort, says Saffia Farr.

The Fatherhood Institute says that 'father engagement' should be included in Ofsted inspections because parental involvement can be too focused on the mother. Helping early years settings make fathers feel welcome was a prime motive behind their initiative, Fathers' Story Week (Nursery World, 6 May).

Traditionally at our nurseries we celebrate Fathers' Day by inviting dads for bacon-butty breakfasts. Last year this was especially badly attended at one setting. In the new spirit of self-evaluation, staff asked why. They had three conclusions:

This year, with excellent staff initiative, plans were made for a Fathers' Sports Day. This took place at 3pm on a Friday. The timing proved important, as many fathers were able to leave work early to attend.

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