In honour of Father’s Day, we sat down with Jack Pye, a dedicated educator at Walmley Nursery & Preschool, to discuss his journey and the significant role of male educators in early childhood education.
Name: Jack Pye
Role: Forest School Leader
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I have always enjoyed working with children of all ages and could never imagine working in any other industry. My inspiration came from the educators I had the pleasure of learning from during my own education.
How long have you been working in education, and what has your journey been like?
I have been working in education my entire career. I started as a primary school teacher in KS1 and then moved to early years education. After leaving mainstream schools, I worked as a deputy at a wrap-around care facility and a funded nursery. Later, I became a deputy at a large day nursery working within the pre-school. During this time, I completed my Level 3 Forest School Leader training, and now I deliver Forest School programs to various nurseries within Footsteps.
What do you enjoy most about working at our nursery school?
Early years education is incredibly rewarding. Every day, I feel like I make a significant impact on the children’s development and help foster a love for the outdoors. Additionally, I get to collaborate with fantastic practitioners from whom I learn daily.
Can you share a memorable moment you’ve had with the children?
Working in Forest School provides many memorable moments. One of the most rewarding experiences is seeing the children’s faces light up with self-accomplishment when they complete a task they initially thought was impossible.
How do you think male educators positively impact young children?
Male educators provide a consistent and reliable male presence, offering positivity and stability which are crucial for children’s development.
jack pye / Forest School Leader
What unique perspective do you bring to the classroom as a male educator?
I believe it’s important to show that men can work in early education and provide the same level of care and patience as women. In my current role, I offer children exciting learning opportunities, especially in outdoor settings. I encourage risky play, which helps build their problem-solving, coordination skills, and self-esteem.
What advice would you give to other men considering a career in early childhood education?
If you’re passionate about it, go for it! The rewarding days far outnumber the challenging ones. You’ll be making a real difference in the lives of the children you work with.
Who has been a male role model for you in your career, and what did you learn from them?
A male nursery teacher I worked with was truly inspiring. He showed that teachers could be exciting and engaging, bringing unique energy to the classroom with puppets and instruments. His creativity and enthusiasm inspired me to work in early years education.
What message would you like to share with the families of the children in our care?
Your children are in a nurturing and stimulating environment. We are dedicated to their growth and development, and we feel privileged to be part of their early educational journey.
What’s your favourite children’s book to read to the children, and why?
My favourite book to read to children is “Superworm.” I enjoy it because, after reading, we explore the outdoors looking for Superworm and his friends in Forest School.
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This Father’s Day, we celebrate Jack Pye and all the wonderful male educators who play such a vital role in shaping young minds. Thank you, Jack, for your dedication and passion! If you’re interested in a career in early years education, please visit our careers page to view our latest vacancies
Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Footstep Nursery Schools!