International Men’s Day: Male educators as advocates for empathy and emotional learning

Through our GrandMen campaign, Grandir UK is committed to creating an early years workforce that reflects the diversity of the world children grow up in. Inclusivity and equal opportunities are central to our values, and we believe the best early years settings are shaped by a variety of perspectives, skills, and experiences. While the early years sector is predominantly female, we welcome more men into our teams and value the professional and personal contributions of male practitioners to children’s education and overall development. All staff operate within a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring children’s safety and well-being are always our top priority.

Why men in early years education matter

International Men’s Day, on 19 November, is an opportunity to recognise the role men in early years play across early childhood education. Male staff contribute to children’s social and emotional growth and help challenge outdated stereotypes. Their presence demonstrates that empathy, nurture, and care are qualities shared by all skilled professionals, regardless of gender. Exposure to positive male role models gives children a more accurate reflection of society and helps break down gender stereotypes in a field often seen as women’s work.

How male educators support children’s growth

Early childhood is a crucial time for children to understand their feelings, navigate social interactions, and build resilience. Research highlights the positive impact male educators can have:

• The Froebel Trust notes that men in early education act as emotionally available role models and help children build secure, supportive relationships.

• Sector insights from platforms such as EducationDaily also show that male staff help challenge traditional gender stereotypes and provide children with a wider range of relational experiences.

By modelling empathy, patience, and healthy expression of feelings, male educators help children:

• Recognise and communicate their own emotions
• Understand and respond to the feelings of others
• Manage conflict constructively
• Build confidence and resilience

This impact is felt not only by boys, who gain significant male role models in their lives, but also by girls, who learn that men can be nurturing and emotionally aware.

A Grandir UK story: Oliver at West Drayton Day Nursery and Preschool

At Grandir UK’s West Drayton Day Nursery and Preschool, Early Years Assistant Oliver exemplifies how male staff advocate for empathy and enriching learning experiences.

Drawing on his own personal experience as a father, Oliver has built warm and supportive relationships with the children in his care. He values strong partnerships with parents and open communication as key to providing consistent, high-quality care.

Oliver leads on music and movement sessions, that encourage children to express themselves and connect with one another. His work shows that men can contribute deeply to children’s emotional learning while operating within a safe, enriching, and professional environment.

Why representation matters in early education

The presence of men in early childhood education helps:

• Challenge gender stereotypes in a predominantly female environment
• Provide positive male role models for children
• Support gender equality and diversity in the workforce
• Encourage other men to consider careers in childcare

As highlighted by the Fatherhood Institute and other sector research, exposing children to men in caring roles helps both boys and girls develop balanced social skills that benefit them throughout life.

Supporting men in early years

Men entering the sector can face challenges, including societal assumptions or uncertainty about working in a predominantly female environment. Grandir UK supports all staff through training, mentoring, and inclusive policies, helping male educators feel confident, valued, and fully equipped to provide high-quality care.

Oliver encourages other men to consider a career in early years:

“The role is not easy, but the rewards are amazing. The smile and laughter you receive from children make it so worthwhile; moments such as helping a baby take their first steps or supporting a child through a transition have been particularly meaningful. If you’re passionate about nurturing young children, this is a profession where you can truly make a difference.”

Join our team

This International Men’s Day, Grandir UK celebrates male educators’ contributions to children’s social and emotional growth. Men in early years settings are valued team members who model empathy, care, and professionalism.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the world children live in. If you would like to join a team that prioritises safe, inclusive, and enriching environments for children, explore our current career opportunities and discover how you can help shape the future for young children.