Report Men in Nursery

Original Post

by: BenSinger

I've been a Nursery Assistant for approximately two years now, and have worked in two nurseries. I have been lucky enough to be valued highly and supported by my employers past and present. I receive positive feedback from most parents and really love my job! I have been asked on more than one occasion not to change certain children's nappies, to which I agreed, understanding from a statistical veiwpoint, the reason why.

However that didn't stop me from feeling bad about it, and anyway, am I a trusted member of staff or not? I know I am, but what does this message give out to other Male practitioners?
And how silly! As all Nursery workers will know, working with children can present many situations whereby a carer could have an opportunity to abuse a child. Saying 'you can't change that child's nappy' seems rather ridiculous!

I've since found out that if a nursery was to force a Male employee into agreeing to this measure, it would be against the law. However that employer can ASK instead, and like I did, the employee may except.

I do occasionally feel annoyed by my Female colleague's comments regarding Men.
"typical of a Man"
seems to pop out of mouths without them really realising. I am so careful about voicing veiws that could be taken as chauvenistic by my colleagues and other Women. But wonder how careful they think they are being, or even if they are.

Two major reasons there aren't enough Men in childcare:

1: Rubbish Money!

2: Finding yourself with no other Males to talk about these things with. Feeling like you can't raise issues concerning gender through fear of being labelled a chauvenist.

Discuss!

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