More men are being encouraged to work in nurseries as a charity aims to challenge gender stereotypes.
Men currently make up just three per cent of early years staff in England.
The government has now contributed £30,000 to a scheme run by the Fatherhood Institute charity to address the imbalance.
Children and families minister Nadhim Zahawi, announcing the grant, said: “Just as parenting is a shared responsibility, so is kickstarting a child's love of learning.
“I want more men to play a positive role in educating and caring for our next generation."
The grant will be used by the charity to provide "how-to" guides and online content to encourage male recruitment.
It will also put on a national conference to highlight the positive role men play in the early years of education.
