Hope everyones enjoying the last days of the hols!

I'm sure there must be other men in either Reception or Nursery...or are there?

hi there

I have heard of a couple of men working in early years but not sure we have any on the forum yet so you could be a first here

I have a couple of male friends who teach in Y1 and Y2.

HI and welcome.

i am sure your you are not alone, but as has been said you may be a first on here.
i think you are very brave, i have got to cover a couple of afternoons in our nursery over the next couple of weeks and im dreading it. however im sure it will make a nice change from KS2

Don't know of any but when I did my TA training there was a man on the course. Unfortunately he decided not to pursue it due to adverse reaction from parents and I am sad to say colleagues and the low pay.

Well done you. I wish there were more male TA's in general but especially in Early Years. With so many children having no male role model in their lives (in our area anyway) the earlier the better in my opinion.

agree with holly, would love to see more male ta's believe thay have alot to offer in schools, especially in todays society.
i do know of one in my local area, but he works in a special school and not in early years.
question for someone who might know.
is the user Andrew, a teacher or ta?

Andrew T is a volunteer TA at the mo but cant remember what year group

thanks summer,

I worked with a male TA, great for the younger kids. Unfortunately for the school he became a house husband as his wife was much better paid


Once again welcome

At my new school there is a male 1:1, fantastic!!! Wish there were more males in primary education as sooo many children need to have positive male role models and it gets away from an all female environment, Have had male teachers in the schools I have worked in but not very many, I wish the balance was equal.
So pleased to hear that you are in Early Years!

our only male TA was asked if he wanted to apply for the TA job that was avaliable in our nursery class ,but he flatley refused ,said he wouldn't cope ,I'm sure he mean't with the staff [one of which is me ] as we would have eaten him alive ha ha ha ha .he is only young though ,,it may have been very challenging for him .

we lost our last male member of staff a couple of years ago, and i have to admit even though ive been in the same school for fourteen years, i missed that back and forth banter we had. Thats why im glad the men on here are such good sports and take it all in thier stride.
it took a while to get used to an all woman enviroment, and i think a man stops some of the problems that can arise from that.

or perhaps im talking cods wallop.

men????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No danger of being alive as I'm not one of the bright young things. Damnit.

Picking up on a bit of what Jay said (forgive me for asking, but are you male?) its not easy settling into such a traditionally female working environment. It's taken me a little over 2 years to be accepted as part of the professional furniture, so to speak.

Can certainly understand a degree of suspicion (chose early years because I can't spell not so good), especially compounded by the near hysteria that surrounds child protection.

Its a real sod doing the p/t Early Years Foundation Degree as I'm the only man there as well.

Still, Early Years is such fun though, the kids are amazing and the work we do is something to be very proud off. Worst paid job I've ever had though!

If anyone knows of any male TA forums, or knows of any other Male TA's down in KS1 or Foundation please let me know.

i worked with some male ta's in secondary, they were great!

dont think there are any male ta forums...might not be so much fun if there were...all men are welcome here

I am glad you are now accepted in your role The Bloke. I think it is great you are sticking with it and get so much enjoyment from the job.

As others have said I think there should be more male TAs, there should not be this stigma it should be a job open to all (although as you said it is not well paid and I think that puts a lot off ) Male TAs are brilliant role models, I haven't worked with a male TA, but I did have males working with me when I ran out of school clubs and it was fantastic to work in a mixed gender team.

Good luck with your degree and Happy 2008 I hope you enjoy the forum, you won't find better than here

umm i see what you mean why my comment about banter might have confused,
no sorry to dissapoint The Bloke, im female, i meant the type of female to male or visa versa banter.[ the sort you have after working together over the years]
Jay came about as i couldnt think of a user name, J is first intial, so went for the bird.

you dont need a male TA forum were all the same here.
age is what you are not what you feel, to be honest i dont feel 40 something but am just reminded of it every time i look in the mirror, infact i might throw all my mirrors away.

but now im really curious, male to male banter, do tell!



I am glad you found an area you like working in, however i do now expect you to be there for me to scream and rant at after my afternoon in nursery on monday.

hope your are not to disapointed

.....j...

please tell me you have a sense of humour, if not ill go mad thinking ive upset you.