What made you want to become a nanny?
I didn't plan to work in childcare. I wanted to join the police force originally, but it was working with children in Uganda that inspired me.
I worked with two charities in Uganda. At the first charity I taught maths and English to children with cerebral palsy in an orphanage in Katalemwa. I mainly worked with the younger children, helping them to develop their fine motor skills.
For the second charity, Soft Power Education, I helped to build a school.
Why did you choose to study at Norland College?
Living in Bath I was aware of Norland and its reputation as the best place to train if you wanted to work with children. I knew I wanted to study for a degree in early years and I am looking to train to become a primary school teacher in the future. By doing the degree at Norland I will also receive the Norland Diploma which means I will have the practical skills and experience to be able to work in an early years setting or as a nanny, extending my career options even further.
How does it feel to be the only male student among your classmates?
It was strange at first and pretty surreal, but now it doesn't bother me at all.
Why do you think working as a nanny is seen as a predominantly female occupation?
It shouldn't be thought of as unusual if a man wants to work in the childcare profession. For some reason working in early years education is seen as female territory, which I think is wrong. Men can bring a different dimension to childcare and I think it is really important that even the youngest children have strong male role models.
When are you expected to wear the Norland uniform?
The formal uniform - a tweed jacket, cream shirt and matching tie, beige trousers and brown shoes - is only worn for special occasions. We are also provided with a uniform to wear on placements that consists of brown trousers and a polo shirt for men.
What placements will you be doing as part of your degree?
Up until Christmas, I will spend every other week at the Norland Nursery working alongside a key person. The aim of the placements is to put into practice what we learn in lectures, giving us valuable, hands-on experience alongside qualified, skilled practitioners.
In the final two years of the degree I will work as a probationary nanny within a family, while studying on a part-time basis.
