How did you start in early years?
It’s a personal journey. I had a friend who worked with Reception class children and had a lot of backlash from parents, who didn’t feel that a man should be in the job. A lot of dads at that time didn’t think a man should be in that position. He wasn’t overly supported by his line management and he left the profession after two years.
He was a real inspiration. Men in childcare are much needed. I’ve only had one person question my choices. I started working in nurseries when I was 17 – I’d worked in respite schemes over the holidays. I did an apprenticeship Level 2 in early years and childcare, learning and development. Then I did a Level 3. From that I went through all the ranks and now I’m a Level 5.
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