Publication date
Who am I and why am I talking about belonging?
I am Ryan Bradshaw, I have worked in early years settings across several different roles and I currently work as the lead support coach for Swift-Educational Apprenticeships. My passion for early childhood education and care runs deep, and I firmly believe that the early years are crucial for lifelong learning, development, and success. In my role, I support and mentor the next generation of early years educators, helping them grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact on young children’s lives. Additionally, I advocate for greater male representation in early years, challenging outdated perceptions and championing diversity. I am passionate about the need for early years settings to foster a sense of belonging and connection for both children and adults, and I speak from my own work of both supporting children in feeling a sense of belonging, as well as my lived experience of the challenges faced by male educators when it comes to belonging.
Personal journey of belonging
My journey began back in 2011 when I started college, unsure of who I was or where I truly fit in. This lived experience is where my passion for cultivating a sense of belonging stems from. Initially, I chose to study IT, hoping it would lead me somewhere, but it never felt right. I was forcing myself into a space that didn’t reflect who I was. As many of us learn, the more you try to fit in somewhere you don’t belong, the more you end up standing out. The first time I ever stepped into an early years setting, it hit me. I absolutely loved it. There was something about the environment, the energy, and the genuine connections being made that just felt right. It was the first time I truly felt a sense of purpose in what I was doing. What stood out the most was how the sense of belonging was nurtured not just for children but also for the staff. It was clear that this was a space where everyone is encouraged to feel valued, included, and part of the nursery community. This is something that I expand on in the podcast episode.
Fostering a sense of belonging in children
Fostering a sense of belonging in early childhood education and care is essential for creating environments where every child feels seen, valued, and heard. When children experience a genuine sense of connection with their peers, educators, and the space around them, they are more likely to engage, explore, and thrive. It is more than just inclusion; it’s about building relationships, celebrating each child’s individuality, and creating environments that reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the children and families we work with. A strong sense of belonging lays the foundation for confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. In the podcast episode I discuss how the very first interaction at the start of the day can make a significant impact on both a child’s and an adult’s sense of belonging.
Professional connections, belonging and collaboration
It is vital for the adults in an early years setting to feel a sense of belonging so they are able to support children in the best possible ways when they themselves feel safe, seen and heard. This is something that I go into more depth on the podcast episode, but I also wanted to mention here how that sense of belonging for educators can be fostered outside of a setting too. LinkedIn has had such a big impact on my career. It has helped me connect with some of the top voices in the early years sector and given me a space to share my own experiences. It has also pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and really start putting myself out there, which has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. As a male in the industry, LinkedIn has allowed me the opportunity to seek out male influences in the sector and brought us together to champion diversity in the workforce.
Key takeaways
- Sense of belonging is essential for wellbeing, fostering positive relationships and supporting learning in early childhood education – both for educators and children.
- Advocating for greater male representation in the early years sector is important for challenging outdated perceptions and promoting gender diversity.
- Building connections and professional growth is important in fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration for educators, with LinkedIn being an example of a valuable tool for connecting with professionals, sharing experiences, and promoting diversity in the workforce.
Critical considerations
- Validation and self-doubt: How do we recognise when we are seeking external validation in our role, and what impact might self-doubt have on our practice and relationships with children and families?
- Creating inclusive environments: In what ways do our environments reflect the diverse identities, cultures and experiences of the children and families we work with? What might we need to change or adapt?
- Championing diversity: How do we actively promote diversity and inclusion in our everyday practice, and how can we ensure these values are embedded meaningfully across our setting?
Watch the full podcast episode
About the author
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