Primary school staff have launched a pilot project to encourage male parents and carers to spend some quality playtime with their children.
Maisondieu Primary in Brechin is running a ‘dads and grandads’ fun session for male family members of children in the nursery, and primaries one and two to tackle the stereotype of schools being mum-only zones.
Men attending the Wednesday night sessions are given the opportunity to play games with their children while socialising with other men with children of similar ages.
Principal teacher Colin Hutchison explained the group is suitable for fathers, grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers and male carers.
He said: “We know, for a variety of reasons, it can be difficult for men to be more involved with the school and with their children’s learning.
“In addition, research has shown men can often feel schools are a mum’s domain – sometimes they only see the mums talking at the school gates – but dads love the chance to be involved too.
“Many have told us they also just enjoy time to play with their children but that is not always possible at the end of a busy working day.”
The school has been working closely with New Solutions, a community interest company which supports schools, community organisations and businesses improve the wellbeing of the children and adults, to help with the mental well-being of everyone within the school community.
Mr Hutchison continued: “One of these ways is supporting parental engagement in the life and work of the school.
“We already have excellent relationships with so many of our parents and have hosted several family learning events, such as a maths evening, a mental wellbeing open evening, we have regular biscuits and blether drop in sessions and a wellbeing drop in cafe for parents every week.
“On top of this, we have been very keen to encourage and develop the engagement of the male carers in our school community.
“New Solutions and the staff at Maisondieu are looking to create as many opportunities as possible for dads, grandads, step dads, uncles and any male carers in families to become involved with their children at school, both with their learning and just through playing with them.
“It is hoped these sessions, which involve a wide range of fun, play activities for the men and their sons and daughters, will also help the mental wellbeing of the children and the adults.”
The pilot runs until December 12 and, if successful, will be extended to older children and their families.
Any dads, step dads or other male family members who wish to attend the sessions can pop in any Wednesday evening from 6-7pm or contact Mr Hutchison at the school for more details.
