International Men's Day 2024: Men in Childcare
They say it takes a village to raise a child – this includes males too!
On International Men’s Day, we celebrate the positive male role models we are lucky to have within our company, from those who work in our
nursery settings to those working in our Head Office.
Official figures show that only 2% of people who work in early years education in England are male, a figure which we would very much like to see increase. We believe children should be cared for by a wide-cross of the community, including men, providing children with opportunities to experience positive male role models.
We spoke with Josh, a Modern Apprentice from our nursery in Woking to ask him his thoughts on men working in childcare.
What inspired you to start your career in Early Years?
My family work with children and they really inspired me to go forwards with this career. I have had previous work experience and I baby sit also. I like knowing that I can work towards helping young children develop in lots of different skills.
How did you find coming into a predominantly female industry and workplace?
The first day I started Toad Hall Nursery I felt so welcome – being the only male here all the team made me feel very welcome. I feel that men don’t feel they can work in Early Years, but they can! People need to be more aware of this as an option for them.
Since starting everyone has been so supportive and it is a happy, welcoming and kind environment to work in. I am looking forward to now gaining my qualifications!
What do you feel you can offer differently as a male practitioner?
I can offer myself as a male role model to the children, showing them and guiding them on their journey in learning.
What do you feel stops more men from joining the profession?
I don’t feel that men in childcare is spoken about enough! We could see more pictures on social media and online to promote men in working in childcare.
Click here to find out more about our career opportunities at Toad Hall Nursery or email recruitment@toadhall-nursery.co.uk.
(Source: DFE Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey)
