One of the few male nursery educators on changing perceptions

Dunky's nursery teacher Sean Spellman is on a mission to bring balance to early years education. The 20-year-old from Runcorn is one of only a handful of men in Cheshire to be working in the children’s nursery sector. In what is traditionally seen as a female dominated field, Sean believes more balanced representation is essential for young children’s development. Only 2% of the early years (pre school/nursery) workforce is male, according to the Department for Education’s Childcare & Early Years Providers Survey. Sean has been working for Dunky’s Day Nurseries & Forest Schools in Runcorn, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, for nearly five years. He has just passed his Level 3 Nursery Educator Apprenticeship. He said: “I was attracted to a role in childcare because both of my sisters also work for Dunky’s, one as a Room Leader and another is a Deputy Manager. They are great role models and where I want to be in the future. “I think the reason why the percentage of male early years teachers is so tiny is because of the stigma of it being a more feminine field of work. Some men may think they will struggle to fit in and find it hard to communicate. I haven’t found this to be the case at all. “It’s really important to have a balance of male and female employees in the nursery sector, and it gives children the opportunity to see positive male role models and also helps to promote diversity. “I’m proud to be the only male educator in Dunky’s and to be a role model for the children. We have a lovely team here, it’s very inclusive and I get treated the same as everyone else. “I’d love to see more men coming into the industry and I’d tell them that it’s a very rewarding career and not to let the current lack of males in the industry put you off. Take the leap!” Sean has just completed his Level 3 Nursery Educator Apprenticeship, a 12-18 month programme which is equivalent to two A-Levels and designed for those who want to plan, organise, lead learning activities and supervise others in early years settings. The apprenticeship prepares people to work with children aged 0 to 5, delivering education, play-based learning and ensuring children’s wellbeing in a variety of settings. Sean said: “My apprenticeship has involved course work around safeguarding, working in partnership and understanding of children's development. “Now I’ve completed it, my plan is to continue to progress my studies and learning. I have thought about furthering my knowledge and specialising in working with SEN children. “I really love my job and working at Dunky’s because it feels like a family. Personally and professionally, I’ve been able to grow in confidence and self-esteem as well as learning new skills and making friendships with colleagues. “I’ve enjoyed completing my Level 3 and gaining more responsibility within the room. It’s great seeing the children learn new skills, make friends and develop during their time with us too and knowing you’re an integral part of that early years’ journey with them is very special. A favourite moment is being part of their graduation. “I like making my team members laugh too. Our job can be quite challenging at times, and I like being able to remind everyone why we do what we do and to keep smiling on through the tough times.” Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager of Dunky’s Runcorn Nursery in Weston Point, said: “Sean is a fun, caring and happy member of the Dunky’s team. He learns new things quickly and shows lots of interest in the knowledge behind how children learn. The preschoolers always pick up on Sean’s infectious energy and you can always hear the children laughing joyously when he’s around.” Jane Mclean, Senior Manager at Dunky’s Day Nurseries, said: “I’ve worked in the early years sector for over 30 years and over my career I have only ever had the opportunity to work alongside three men. “I’m not shocked by the lack of men who choose to work in the childcare industry as the pay is so low compared to other industries and yet it is such a lovely and rewarding career. “Children benefit from having different genders in a nursery and this can contribute to a more holistic nurturing environment. Men provide children with positive male role models and also provide opportunities for children to experience positive male – female relationships by seeing staff of different genders co-operate, work together and respect each other. “It’s clear there is a mountain to climb to sort out the gender imbalance in early years, but this can only be achieved with more Government funding.”

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