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Men in Childcare: Interview with Andy Mitchell

Men in Childcare: Interview with Andy Mitchell

Introduction

Men In Childcare Podcast

Men in Childcare: Interview with Andy Mitchell

AndyMitchellAndy Mitchell has had a very interesting, and almost certainly unique, route into the Early Years Sector. From being on the bone marrow donor register through the Anthony Nolan Trust, he is now a qualified Early Years Teacher.

Have a listen to find out how this happened – and how this career path has been via Norway (see photo)!

Useful references

Anthony Nolan Trust: http://www.anthonynolan.org/

Men in Childcare London: https://www.facebook.com/MeninchildcareLDN

Men in Childcare Ireland: https://twitter.com/menchildcareirl

This is my tenth Men in Childcare podcast. They have all been very different, incredibly interesting stories. One common thread is that all the interviewees are very positive about men coming into the Early Years Sector.

So, if you are a man, wondering if this is a career move for you, do have a listen to the podcasts to see if they can help to make up your mind.

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If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review on iTunes too – it helps to promote the podcast and get it to reach a wider audience.

 

Kathy Brodie

Kathy Brodie

https://www.kathybrodie.com/author/kathy-brodie/

Kathy Brodie is an author, Early Years Professional and Trainer specialising in online training and courses. She is the founder and host of the Early Years Summit and Early Years TV, weekly Professional Development for Early Years practitioners and educators.

Comments
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    AUTHOR Kathy

    Posted on 10:58 am April 14, 2018.
    Reply

    Many thanks for your comment Cameron, really appreciate the feedback.
    Do look out for a further interview with Andy Mitchell coming soon!

  • user

    AUTHOR Cameron

    Posted on 1:05 pm August 12, 2017.
    Reply

    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.

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