Start your career in childcare
Chris - Team Manager
Chris’s journey into childcare started when he was just 15, babysitting for a neighbour who spotted his natural talent with children. That early encouragement led him to study childcare and take on roles in nurseries, where he quickly moved into leadership positions.
Chris also spent time working in Portugal as a holiday nanny, supporting families while they travelled — a role that gave him even more confidence.
One of his most rewarding roles was at a Children’s Centre, working at an inclusive nursery where nearly half the children had special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Chris managed a team of eight and worked closely with Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), helping children reach key milestones through tailored support. It was here he learned just how powerful patience, empathy and teamwork can be.
As a young man in a female-dominated field, Chris faced some outdated attitudes — but he stuck with it, proving that childcare is for everyone. The skills he built in early years settings now help him in his current role as Acting Team Manager for an Intensive work team in Children’s Services.
Today, Chris leads a large team supporting families at crisis point, working alongside social workers to keep children safe and help reunite families. He’s planning to take a social work apprenticeship next, and is passionate about showing others how childcare can open doors to all kinds of careers.
His story shows how early years experience can lead to meaningful roles in children’s services. If you’re looking for a career that makes a real difference, childcare could be your perfect first step.