In honour of Father’s Day, we sat down with Simon Evans, the Nursery Manager at West End Day Nursery School, to discuss his journey in early childhood education and the significant role of male educators in this field.
Name: Simon Evans
Role: Nursery Manager at West End Nursery School.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love building relationships with the children and their families. Watching the children develop and grow during their time at the nursery, celebrating their successes, and knowing that we have supported their learning journey is incredibly rewarding.
Can you tell me a bit about your background in early years?
I began my early years education journey by studying health and social care in college, where a pre-school placement turned into a volunteer role. I then worked in a nursery, completed my Level 3 qualification, and later earned a Foundation degree and a BA in education and training. In 2013, I was honoured as NDNA Nursery Practitioner of the Year. After over 10 years at the same nursery, progressing from practitioner to room manager and Deputy, I have spent the past six years as a manager, a role I love for the opportunities it provides to support my team and the children’s development.
What has been your biggest achievement in your role?
My biggest achievement has been becoming a manager, a goal I had been working towards since becoming a Deputy. Additionally, achieving my 2:1 in my BA Hons was a significant milestone.
Why is it important to encourage more males to work in childcare?
Encouraging more men to work in childcare is crucial because it is such a rewarding job. It’s beneficial for children to see both genders working in a nursery setting, performing all roles, so they understand from a young age that men and women are equal. It’s also important for children to see that men can be caring and supportive, meeting their needs and aiding their development. Having both male and female educators provides children with a variety of experiences.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to work in the early years sector?
Go for it! It is such a fun and rewarding job. The relationships you build with the children, parents, and staff are unmatched. Working with children has been the best decision I ever made, and I would never look back.
Simon Evans / nursery manager
In celebration of Father’s Day, we thank Simon Evans for sharing his journey and insights. His dedication and passion for early childhood education exemplify the invaluable role male educators play in shaping young minds.
Come and see for yourself! Book a tour today and experience the nurturing and engaging environment at our nursery schools. Call us at 0330 333 1080 or email us at enquiry@familyfirstnurseries.com.