Nursery World - Male practitioners make their mark

Employing three male practitioners, including two in senior positions, has had a positive impact on practice at Choochoos Day Nursery in Kent, according to owner Karla Tabony.

Choochoos has two nurseries, in Canterbury and Whitstable, and the men are employed at the latter which is graded outstanding. Ms Tabony is a member of the leading early years team for the county council and has achieved her EYPS.

She reports that she has seen more men coming forward to apply for jobs recently and has found the skills and commitment from the three she has employed to be impressive.

‘We have been lucky to see more males coming forward in this area and it seems to reflect the continuing professionalization of the local workforce,’ she says.

‘Two of my male recruits started as practitioners and one as a team leader, but one has been promoted in the last year so we now have two of them occupying senior roles. All are at Level 3 or above, and one, John Huffman, is currently studying for a masters in early years.’

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