Family Focus

The city has been playing host to the Early Years Forum, where hundreds of delegates from around the world gathered to discuss childcare and early learning.

Peter McDonnell is a playgroup leader in Newry. While he admits some parents are initially surprised and even unsure when they find a man working there, he says they soon change their mind.

Deirdre Cully and her daughter Victoria

One such parent was Deirdre Cully, who admits that at first she was doubtful that a man could provide the same level of care as a female playgroup leader. She now says she is very glad that Peter has proved her wrong.

Danielle McWall

Danielle McWall says having a male influence in her son's playgroup has been a very positive experience.

She says more men should think of childcare as an option.

We asked you to tell us how you feel about men working as childcarers. Here are some of your comments.

Viewers' comments:

i would love to get into that line of work, having 2 small children of my own plus a full time job, finding the time to get the qualifications is quite hard at the moment. But would jump into that kind of job tomorrow if i cud

Mark Curran

I think there should be more male childcare workers in pre-school settings and daycare

Alison Magill

There's no doubt children would benefit from having more male role models, but it would have been good to hear some of the parents' opinions on the subject (on the TV report)

Margaret McDonnell

Hi! I would just like to let you know that i am also a Male Playgroup Leader in Newmills Playgroup, just outside Dungannon. i have been in this role from January 2007, but have been working in a playgroup setting for roughly the last 10 years both paid and unpaid. I really love my work and agree with what Peter has said in his interview. but i am also disappointed that Early Years themselves don't recognise that they have more male in Early Years work. Tuesday past we hosted 15 delegates from the World Forum, and we never even got a mention anywhere. I feel as a rural cross community playgroup we are nearly always left to our own. apart from that i would seriously recommend child care work in whatever form to any one and really encourage any man to try it out.

Paul Stewart