I would like all males, and females, coming into this line of work to know how rewarding it can be. In terms of job satisfaction, nursery work is a happy experience in the right staff team, and financially, as in any other line of work, there is scope for progression and promotion.
I am a male who has worked in childcare for 16 years. In that time I have managed nurseries, and updated my training and skills to enable me to also work as a NVQ assessor, lecturer and freelance consultant for providers wishing to open up new provisions for children.
I am currently an under-eights registration and inspection officer for a local authority, and am joining the new inspectorate of Ofsted in September. This, to me, has been a varied career and there are still possibilities for more acomplishments if I feel the need.
Nursery nursing is a profession which provides immense pleasure for a worker. You are able to use your skills, imagination and creativity. I believe all nursery nurses (men and women) deserve a review of the wage structure, as there is such a higher demand for the service they provide and the skills needed to work in the childcare profession.
But I'd like to tell all childcare students, don't be deterred from childcare, as it is a rewarding career no matter what sex you are.
Errol Allen, under-eights registration and inspection officer, London Borough of Newham
