STORY
Labour MPs have urged the Government to set targets to increase the number of male teachers in England, arguing that schools should play a larger role in supporting boys and young men. The Labour Men and Boys group has said the issue should form part of a broader response to concerns about harmful online influences and social isolation.
The group has highlighted figures showing that men make up a minority of the teaching workforce, with particularly low representation in primary schools. Supporters of the proposal say that a more balanced workforce could provide more visible role models for pupils and help schools respond to the needs of boys as well as girls.
The Department for Education has said it is considering ways to attract more men into teaching, including financial incentives. The proposal sits alongside calls from Labour MPs and campaign groups for improvements to paternity leave and wider policies focused on fathers, boys and family life.