The Marlborough Express
June 25 2003
Ellis case won't get more men in kindy teaching
by Anna McIntyre
Society's
perception of the early childhood education sector as "women's work"
is unlikely to change if a conviction against Peter Ellis is overturned, a
kindergarten representative says.
Mrs Kennedy said the Christchurch Civic Creche child abuse case which sentenced Peter Ellis to 10
years jail in 1993 had not helped with the recruitment of male teachers to
early childhood education.
Ellis has always proclaimed his innocence and a petition signed by 140
prominent New Zealanders is being presented to
parliament today, seeking a royal commission inquiry into the case.
"While the Ellis case hasn't helped men's role in early childhood
education, there's always been a perception that the sector is women's work
which doesn't require qualifications.
"In fact the reverse is the case. We need the best people to ... ensure
the early, important years of a child's education are properly managed," Mrs Kennedy said.
She added the perception that "men were dangerous to little children"
was sad and wrong, but she thought it unlikely to change even if Ellis was
found innocent.
The petition found support from Sam Piper, a former male creche
worker in Blenheim.
Mr Piper now works out of the industry, although his
decision to change careers was not influenced by the Ellis case.
He said he thought the guilty judgement against Ellis
was unjust at the time.
"I didn't think the extent of what he got charged for could've happened.
With staff ratios in most creches, it would be
difficult to have got away with anything of that nature. At the time it was
perplexing to me."
Mr Piper said it was disappointing that there were
not more male teachers in the early childhood sector.
"A lot of people used our centre because there was a male there. (The
Ellis case) has made it more difficult for males and staff
are probably more aware of not being left as the single adult in a room
of children."