Celebrating men in early years: How men are thriving at N

Today, on 19th November, we’re celebrating International Men’s Day. It’s a chance to recognise the positive value men bring to families, workplaces, and communities.

At N, it’s also a time to shine a light on the incredible men who are shaping the next generation through early years education. They’re challenging stereotypes, inspiring curiosity, and helping to build a more inclusive and balanced sector where everyone belongs.

Why men in early years matter

Across the UK, men make up a very small proportion of the early years workforce. According to the MITEY (Men in the Early Years) Network, just 2% of teams working for group-based providers and 3% of teams at school-based providers and childminders in England are male.

That means many children go through their early years education without regularly seeing men in caring and nurturing roles. Representation matters, especially in the early years, when children are forming their first ideas about the world. Seeing both men and women teach, comfort, and play helps children understand that empathy, care, and creativity belong to everyone.

Championing inclusion and celebrating our male educators

At N, we’re proud to be signatories of the MITEY Charter, standing alongside others in the sector to champion greater representation and inclusion of men in early years. The charter reinforces what we believe deeply - that early years education benefits when everyone feels welcome to care, teach, and inspire.

At N, our male educators bring unique energy and perspectives to their nurseries - from imaginative outdoor adventures to storytelling, building projects, and science experiments. But above all, they bring warmth, patience, and the same passion for helping children grow that defines our whole team.

Challenging stereotypes

For too long, early years education has been seen as “women’s work.” That perception not only limits opportunities for men but also sends children an unhelpful message about who can care, teach, and lead.

At N, we want every child to grow up knowing that kindness and curiosity aren’t defined by gender. That’s why we’re proud to share stories of our male educators, from apprentices discovering a new sense of purpose to nursery managers mentoring the next generation of educators.

“What I love most about my role at N is the responsibility I have for the children that are in my care, by going through this journey with as much as I can say I’ve helped them, I can equally say that they’ve helped me become a far better educator in a sense of challenging me to think of new ways to help their growth and development, the relationships that we have forged having built a proper foundation filled with trust, happiness, joy and learning. Always brings a smile to my face when I walk through that gate!

Children benefit from seeing positive male role models in early education. Every day gives you the opportunity to really make a difference in a child’s life! If you’re caring, patient and passionate about helping young children grow, it will honestly leave you feeling so happy. It gives you a sense of purpose and responsibility! It’s a career that gives back far more than you expect!”

- Melvyn, Room Manager, Brixton

“I have been working with children for nearly 16 years, giving them the best start in life from a young age and giving them every opportunity to learn and be that positive role model. I love that I can be myself at N, I enjoy the daily challenges and I'm proud of my achievements that I have made. I would say to men that want to pursue a career in early years, it is rewarding, everyday is different and you make a positive impact on all the children's lives.”

- Doug, Room Manager, East Dulwich

These stories show that early years education isn’t just a job - it’s a calling. It’s about shaping young minds, building confidence, and being part of a child’s first big step into the world beyond home. And that’s something everyone, man or woman, can find meaning in.

Building confidence and connection

For many men joining the early years sector, it can feel unfamiliar at first. Some may be the only men in their setting, others may face questions or assumptions from those who aren’t used to seeing men in this space. That’s why creating an environment of trust and support matters so much.

We make sure every educator has a strong support network from day one, from their line manager to colleagues who share advice, encouragement, and ideas. Our open, collaborative culture means no one feels like they’re doing it alone.

We also encourage men in our teams to connect across nurseries, to share experiences, swap best practices, and build confidence together. Representation matters, but so does connection.

Supporting growth

Career progression is another area where perceptions can hold men back. The truth is, the early years sector offers significant growth potential - from early years practice to leadership, training, and beyond.

We offer clear, supported pathways and mentoring at every stage. Many of our male colleagues have moved into senior roles, inspiring others to see early years not just as a career, but as a lifelong passion.

We also recognise that professional development isn’t just about climbing the ladder - it’s about learning, improving, and finding joy in the everyday. Whether through leadership training or peer learning, we empower every educator to grow in the way that’s right for them.

Why more men in childcare benefits everyone

Bringing more men into early years isn’t just about balance - it’s about creating richer, more rounded experiences for children, families, and colleagues. When a rich blend of perspectives, play styles, and personalities come together, children experience a more dynamic, creative, and supportive environment - one that sparks new ideas, deeper connections, and a true sense of belonging for everyone.

For children

Children benefit enormously from seeing men in nurturing, caring roles. It challenges stereotypes before they even form and helps children understand that empathy, kindness, and curiosity aren’t tied to gender.

Having both men and women in the nursery brings a broader mix of play and learning styles, from adventurous outdoor activities to calm, imaginative storytelling. Children learn that everyone can be gentle, funny, creative, or brave, and that all those qualities matter.

For families

Families value seeing a team that reflects the diversity of the world around them. When families see men and women working side by side to support their children, it sends a clear message that their child is growing up in an inclusive, balanced environment.

It can also help build even stronger relationships with parents and carers, especially when families see different perspectives and personalities reflected in their child’s educators.

For teams

When men join the early years sector, they bring new ideas, energy, and approaches that strengthen team dynamics. Mixed-gender teams often report higher collaboration, better communication, and a greater sense of shared learning.

Men in early years also inspire their colleagues, showing that the sector is open, evolving, and full of possibilities. When everyone feels represented, the whole team benefits.

Kindness, inclusion, and belonging

Inclusion isn’t a buzzword at N, it’s our culture. We’re proud to be Certified as a Great Place to Work UK for the second year running - recognition of the supportive, caring culture that defines us.

We celebrate individuality and the many paths that lead people to early years education. Whether you’re an apprentice, a career changer, or an experienced educator, N is a place where everyone can grow together.

Join our team

This International Men’s Day, we’re celebrating the men who are redefining what it means to work in early years, proving every day that care, creativity, and curiosity know no gender. At N, everyone belongs. You don’t have to “fit in”, we will take you as you are. 

If you’re looking for a meaningful career where kindness and teamwork come first, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our Careers Page and discover our Early Years Educator roles.