We’re helping to build a more gender-diverse workforce

Nationally, men make up just three per cent of the early years education workforce. At Kids Planet, that figure currently stands at 3.5%.

As the UK’s third largest childcare group, we want to build a more gender-diverse workforce and in conjunction with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and MITEY (Men In The Early Years), we’re currently recruiting 12 men across Greater Manchester to our in-house Early Years (Level 2) Apprenticeship.

Already employed by Kids Planet, is Ellis Yarwood who works at our setting in Macclesfield.  Ellis is studying for his Level 3 Apprenticeship and recently spoke with The Manchester Evening News about his experiences of working in a female-dominated industry.

Having previously worked at roller disco parties where his job involved helping children learn to skate, Ellis was inspired to take an apprenticeship route into childcare when realising A-Levels were not for him.  Since applying for the apprenticeship, Ellis has spent time working with SEND children as well as overseeing his room which he thoroughly enjoyed.  His goal is to move into SEND where he feels he can support children of all abilities in their learning and preparation for school. Nearly two years after starting his job, he still loves the job as much as he did on his first day.

Whilst he is working in a majority female workforce, Ellis likens it to being part of one big family. And though he has encountered parents unhappy about their child being looked after by a man, the vast majority have welcomed him into the role recognising that once parents get to know more, they’re very happy with the care and education he provides.

Ellis’ message is clear – he loves working in Early Years and urges other men considering childcare to ‘go for it’! If  you would like to know more about the project, whether you are a school leaver looking to start a career or a male who has lost a job or changed working patterns or aspirations during the Covid -19 crisis, please contact Jason Holmes. Jason has taken on several positions within childcare, most recently as Nursery Manager at Kids Planet Southport and is now taking a lead role in supporting the recruitment and training of male practitioners. Email Jason.holmes@kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk for full details.

You can read the full piece from The Manchester Evening News here.

If you are looking to find a nursery then why not use our simple tool to locate the nearest Kids Planet Day Nursery to your postcode?

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