Men in childcare: Reflections from GrandPod episode 4

This blog is inspired by Episode 4 of the GrandPod podcast, where we explore a topic that continues to shape the future of the early years sector: the vital role of men in childcare.

With less than 3 per cent of the early years workforce made up of men in early years roles, the profession remains a predominantly female environment. In this episode, James, Nursery Manager at Kiddi Caru Abington Grove, and Charlie, an Early Years Apprentice at Kiddi Caru Daventry, share their honest experiences as men working in early years settings.

Challenging the “women’s work” narrative

For James, his career in early years education began with fatherhood. Wanting to support his son’s development and be more present in his child’s education, he made a career change and joined the early years sector as an apprentice at 33.

He openly admits he once questioned whether childcare was seen as solely women’s work. Friends were surprised by his choice, reflecting wider gender stereotypes that position early education as a female occupation rather than a respected profession for early years teachers and male educators.

Charlie’s path was different but equally purposeful. After working in the service industry from a young age, he searched for a meaningful role where he could nurture young children and contribute to children’s learning in a lasting way. For him, early years education offered progression, purpose and the chance to make a difference.

Both now speak passionately about their roles as early years professionals and the impact they have on children’s development.

The impact of positive male role models

In many childcare settings, male staff are in the minority. James is currently the only man in his nursery, while Charlie is one of two male colleagues in his setting, highlighting why greater visibility for men in early years roles matters.

Children benefit from diverse role models and a better gender balance within early years settings. Experiencing a positive male role model in their earliest years supports children’s development and creates a more holistic, nurturing environment. It provides a more accurate reflection of society and helps normalise caring roles for everyone.

This is not about reinforcing assumptions around caring or teaching styles. It is about ensuring children experience positive relationships with both male and female educators. When the early years workforce reflects a healthy gender mix, children benefit from a wider range of interactions, perspectives and approaches.

Importantly, as highlighted in the podcast, children themselves are often the least influenced by gender stereotypes. For them, what matters is trust, consistency and care.

Addressing barriers in the early years workforce

The conversation also explored why there are still so few men in early years. Traditional expectations around what men’s careers should be can discourage men from considering early years as a long-term career. For example, some people have negative attitudes rooted in outdated views of childcare as not being a “male occupation.”

James shared that once people saw his progression from apprentice to Nursery Manager, perceptions shifted. His journey demonstrates that early years education offers clear career development pathways for male practitioners and female colleagues alike.

There was also discussion about the importance of supporting male colleagues in nursery settings. Creating internal networks, celebrating International Men’s Day and encouraging open dialogue all help build confidence and community.

Building teams where men and women work together is also an important step in addressing these barriers. When colleagues with different experiences collaborate, they bring varied perspectives and strengths to the nursery environment. This not only enriches the working culture for staff but also gives children the opportunity to see positive, respectful relationships between adults modelled in everyday interactions.

At the same time, maintaining strong safeguarding standards remains central to everything we do. Safeguarding is embedded in daily practice across our nurseries, ensuring children are protected and families feel confident in the care provided. By maintaining clear procedures, open communication and a culture of professionalism, we create environments where staff feel supported and children can learn and grow safely.

At Grandir UK, initiatives like our GrandMen campaign help highlight the experiences of male colleagues in early years, celebrating their contributions and encouraging more men to consider careers in childcare.

If we want greater gender balance across the early years sector, visibility is key. Showing male educators in recruitment campaigns, offering strong careers advice and highlighting leadership progression can encourage more young men to see early years as a viable and rewarding career.

Why it matters for children

At its heart, this conversation is about children’s development. A more balanced early years workforce provides children with diverse role models and supports a richer early education experience. It challenges the idea that caring is linked to gender and instead promotes the message that anyone with the right values, training and commitment can nurture young children effectively.

Encouraging more men to join the early years sector ensures children benefit from a workforce that reflects the world around them and offers a broad range of positive role models.

A message to men considering early years

Both James and Charlie end with the same advice. If you are thinking about working in early years but feel uncertain, take the step.

Early years careers at Grandir UK are designed to be flexible, supportive and community-led. Whether you are starting as an apprentice or progressing into leadership, there are clear development pathways, strong training opportunities and a culture built around collaboration.

Our teams reflect the communities they serve, and we are committed to building a more inclusive early years workforce where male colleagues feel valued and supported. If you are passionate about early childhood education, want to nurture young children and are looking for a career with purpose, progression and flexibility, early years could be the right path for you.

To hear James and Charlie’s full reflections on men in early years, watch Episode 4 of the GrandPod podcast on YouTube and join the conversation. You can also listen to the episode on Spotify.