IN SPITE of changing attitudes, which have seen women joining the clergy, the armed services and the fire service, child care still remains an area dominated by women.

Latest studies show that fewer than three per cent of child care workers are men and fewer still become managers.

But the manager of Jigsaw Day Nursery, on Elstree Way, Abbey Meads, breaks the mould.

Simon Carson, 27, joined the Jigsaw Day Nursery in 1994 and has worked his way up the ranks to head a staff of 20 looking after 106 children.

In this, National Child Care Week, explained: "I joined almost by accident. I had just left school, with two A-levels under my belt and was at a loss of what to do.

"I went to see the careers service and they pointed me in the direction of the nursery."

Mr Carson, who has recently married, admitted that he was surprised by how few men were involved in this field of work.

"I knew we were in the minority, but I had no idea that it was as few as three per cent.

"I suppose a lot of guys are put off because it is not traditionally seen as being a male pursuit.

"When I tell people that I manage a nursery, they automatically assume that it is a plant nursery."

He explained that relatively low wages may also be a factor in dissuading men from joining the profession.

"Ask anyone who works in a nursery and they will say that they don't do it just for the money.

"It is a wonderful rewarding environment to work in. We take children from only a few months old, up until the age of five.

"You are with the children a long time and you see them grow up.

He said that male nursery nurses can provide a positive male role model for youngsters in their care.

"You can be looked on as a father figure. Many children come from homes where the father is absent and I suppose a male nursery nurse can go some way towards providing a role model."

How you could have a career in child care

Child carers with sole responsibility for children should have either an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education or the CACHE Diploma in Child Care and Education (previously know as NNEB) or its equivalent.

And child carers working largely under supervision should have at least an NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Care and Education, or the CACHE Certificate in Child Care and Education or its equivalent.

For further information about careers in child care, contact the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education. Tel (01727) 738308.