Kathy’s conversation with Andy Mitchell was my first time coming across the Men in Childcare podcast. Being a fellow male in Early Year’s I could relate a lot to Andy and I applaud him on his decision to make the change later on to switch careers. I firmly believe that Early Years like many professions benefits from having a mix of backgrounds teaching and learning with the children. However, I would challenge Andy on his decision not to support children with accidents himself. I agree that there are instances I wouldn’t support myself because of the childrens choice. I would reflect if i was doing this because of fear of possible backlash further on. As long as you are following policies and procedures and ensuring a childs own personal rights there is no difference between a male or female carrying out that support. I think the two biggest elements that hold back men from joining the field are rates of pay and being labeled/accused of something unfairly. I agree that like Andy I just want to be considered the same as anyone else working and therefore haven’t actively sought out mens only early years group (apart from following on social media) I can understand the draw to them. As much as I want to just do my job there is an element that we do have a responsibility to role model to the communities we are in that all parts of the role of an early years educator can be done by a male and hopefully show in our settings the benefits of having men and women working together.