This conference brought together a range of diverse European projects and the methods they have used to recruit men into childcare. Scandinavian countries in particular have been much more successful in this field, therefore a Danish childcare college where almost 50% of the students were male and how this was achieved was highlighted. The contributions from Norway and Sweden focussed on good practice and how they have managed to achieve one of the highest proportions of men working in childcare.

The conference also focussed on a campaign in Flanders, Belgium which has been extremely successful in recruiting and supporting men.
The event was held in Edinburgh, home of the Men in Childcare Project which continues to recruit an ever growing number of men into childcare training.

The conference was addressed by Prof. Peter Moss former Chairman of the Childcare Network of the European Commission and the Editor of Children in Europe.
Currently the targets for men working in childcare in England & Wales have been set at 6% and although there are no targets as yet in Scotland, there is commitment and funding from The Scottish Executive to increase the number of men working in childcare.

Presentations

Men as Carers - Kenny Spence & Colin Chisholm

Gender and Caring - Peter Moss, Thomas Coram Research Unit
Institute of Education, University of London

Men in Childcare - Lecturer Ulla Gerner Wohlgemuth, M. Ed., Development Manager, Kolding College

The project Men in Childcare in Flanders - Jan Peeters
VBJK, Research and resource centre for early Childhood Care and Education? Department of Social Welfare Studies, University of Gent.

MIB - Anders Farstad

Additional Paper of Interest not presented at the Conference - Daycare Trust