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We’re excited to welcome Shaping Lives, a leading apprenticeship provider, to our membership programme at Male Childcare & Teaching. This partnership reflects our shared mission to bring more men into the early years sector, creating a balanced and inclusive workforce that supports children’s development.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Mark Botha, CEO of Shaping Lives, and Sarah Arnesen, their Marketing Director, to discuss their motivations and plans for joining us. Mark told us, “At Shaping Lives, we’re excited to join the Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs network to actively support the recruitment of more men into the Early Years sector. With this collaboration, we’re united in helping male apprentices pursue rewarding careers in early years education and shaping the future of childcare in the UK.”
Joining Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs is about more than just numbers; it’s about championing diversity and inclusion in the early years sector. Shaping Lives recognises the importance of male role models in children’s development, especially for those who may lack male figures in their lives.
This partnership allows Shaping Lives to create opportunities for male apprentices, helping shift the current landscape toward a workforce where every child can benefit from a diverse set of educators. With a focus on inclusivity, they are committed to breaking down barriers for men interested in early years education, supporting them in meaningful, lasting careers.
At Shaping Lives, diversity and inclusion aren’t just ideals; they are central to the training and support they provide across their apprenticeship programmes. With a wide range of courses from Level 2 to Level 5, Shaping Lives tailors learning to promote equality and inclusivity, ensuring apprentices are equipped to create nurturing environments for all children.
As Sarah Arnesen, their Marketing Director, shared, “We want to push early years into the forefront of people’s minds and help people fashion a long-lasting career in the sector.” A recent addition to their offerings is the Level 3 SENDCo diploma, which strengthens their commitment to inclusive practices by preparing apprentices to support children with special educational needs. This qualification is an essential step, empowering future practitioners to provide personalised care and enrich children’s learning experiences.
As Mark Botha, CEO of Shaping Lives, observed, “Men entering the early years education sector often face challenges, from societal stereotypes that question their role with young children to a lack of male mentors, potential biases during hiring, and fears around physical interaction boundaries.” These challenges can lead to feelings of isolation and make career progression appear uncertain, particularly in a field where wages are often low.
In response, Shaping Lives has introduced a range of strategies to build a more welcoming environment for male educators. They actively work to reshape perceptions by fostering public awareness about the importance of male role models and providing visible, supportive career pathways. Through sensitivity training, male apprentices gain skills and strategies to engage confidently, including training around safe interaction practices. Shaping Lives also champions better wages and career progression to encourage men to view early years as a sustainable career choice.
Through our partnership with Shaping Lives, we’re creating new avenues for outreach, visibility, and meaningful support for male apprentices in early years education. Sarah Arnesen expressed her enthusiasm: “Supporting the recruitment of males into early years apprenticeships, conferences, and job fairs, and sharing opportunities for male apprentices is central to this collaboration.” By connecting Shaping Lives’ apprentices with our network, we’re amplifying opportunities to reach potential male educators who may not have previously considered this career path.
This partnership also allows Shaping Lives to highlight the contributions of male apprentices in real-time, showcasing their successes and the positive impact they have in early years settings. Together, we’re working to shift societal perceptions and promote a gender-balanced workforce, one story at a time. Through job fairs, LinkedIn outreach, and collaborations with employers and parents, Shaping Lives and MCTJ aim to make early years education a more inclusive and attractive field for men. With shared resources and networking opportunities, male apprentices now have a stronger foundation to build fulfilling, long-term careers in early childhood education.
For men considering a career in early years education, Shaping Lives offers a supportive pathway to overcome hesitation and build a meaningful career. Mark Botha has a message for those who may be unsure: “To men considering a career in early years education but feeling hesitant, know that your presence in this field is both needed and valued. At Shaping Lives, we recognise the unique strengths and perspectives that male educators bring to early years settings.”
Joining this field isn’t just about filling a role; it’s about making a lasting impact on children’s lives and shaping the future of education. Male educators bring a balance that enriches learning environments, inspiring children and creating a sense of community within settings. With hands-on experience, mentorship, and a clear career path, Shaping Lives provides the confidence, skills, and support men need to thrive in early years, making a difference every day.
Shaping Lives is leading the way with forward-thinking initiatives aimed at enhancing skills and inclusivity in early years education. Recently, they launched a Level 3 SENDCo programme, equipping apprentices with the expertise to support children with special educational needs. This programme strengthens early years settings by ensuring all children receive the personalised care they deserve.
In line with their commitment to growth and diversity, Shaping Lives has pledged to develop 10,000 young apprentices by 2030. This ambitious goal seeks to create accessible pathways for young people, particularly men, to enter early years education and make meaningful contributions to the sector. As Sarah Arnesen explained, “This pledge ensures that future generations see early years as a viable and rewarding career.”
Through these initiatives, Shaping Lives is helping to shape a diverse, inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities it serves and offers children a well-rounded educational experience.
Our partnership with Shaping Lives marks an exciting step toward a more diverse, inclusive future in early years education. Together, we’re breaking down barriers and paving the way for men to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives. By championing diversity and supporting male apprentices, we’re fostering a balanced workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
We invite anyone interested in shaping the future of early years education to learn more about Shaping Lives’ apprenticeship programmes and join us in this rewarding journey. Let’s work together to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all children.
This article was crafted in collaboration with Mark Botha and Sarah Arnesen.
At Shaping Lives, Mark Botha and Sarah Arnesen lead with a shared passion for social mobility and inclusive education. Mark, CEO of Shaping Lives, has always guided success, achieving multiple Ofsted “Good” ratings and driving growth through a values-based culture.
With over 20 years of experience across education and training, he is committed to creating impactful apprenticeships that enable learners to reach their potential.
Sarah, a skilled Marketing and Communications Specialist, brings her expertise in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to amplify Shaping Lives’ mission.
Her background in crafting effective marketing campaigns ensures that Shaping Lives connects meaningfully with its audience, driving awareness and inclusivity in early years education.
Together, Mark and Sarah foster a supportive environment for male apprentices in early years, promoting a diverse workforce that benefits children and communities alike.
Nutritional Therapist and Early Years NutritionConsultant
At the intersection of health, nutrition, and early years education stands Louise Mercieca, a dynamic force in the realm of nutritional well-being for young children. A prolific writer with numerous articles and the notable book ‘How Food Shapes Your Child’ under her belt, she has delved deep into the intricacies of how food impacts a child’s development.
Her passion was kindled by two key elements: the journey she undertook with her young son and the extensive research she carried out for her debut book. Not just an author, Louise further extends her reach through the airwaves with her radio show ‘Food For Thought’ on Teacher Hug Radio.
Louise’s commitment doesn’t stop at raising awareness. As an Early Years Nutrition Consultant, she actively collaborates on menu development and nutritional education, ensuring that children receive a balanced and informed start to their dietary journey. Her driving belief is unequivocal: by understanding the bond between food and biology early on, we can preemptively address and potentially prevent many health and dietary issues adults grapple with later in life.
Her dedication to this cause positions her as a beacon for professionals in the Early Years sector, guiding them to understand the pivotal role food plays in holistic child health.
Chef Trainer at LEYF
In the vibrant world of child nutrition and culinary training, Sean Cowden shines as a beacon of expertise and dedication. As of 2022, he took the reins as Chef Trainer for LEYF’s esteemed Early Years Chef Academy courses. Initiated by LEYF in 2019, the Early Years Chef Academy emerged from a pressing need: to guarantee that young learners receive the essential, nutritious food vital for their growth and cognitive development. Through this initiative, chefs are meticulously trained not only in the culinary arts but also in the nuances of child nutrition, sculpting them into experts that inspire children, staff, and parents alike to cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits.
Before his esteemed tenure at LEYF Nurseries, Sean donned the hat of a Head Chef at an independent school, bringing his culinary flair to the academic arena. Additionally, his role as a Training Specialist for Gail’s Bakery further showcases his diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to the world of culinary arts and education.