Got a nursery interview coming up? Whether it’s your first role in early years or your next step up, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to get ready, what you’re likely to be asked about, and the questions worth asking back.
01: Get to know the setting
Before the day, have a look at the nursery’s website and social media, and read its latest Ofsted report. Note anything that stands out, like their approach to outdoor play, a focus on sustainability, or how they involve parents. Mentioning one or two of these things shows you’ve done your homework and that you’re interested in this nursery, not just any job.
02: Brush up on the EYFS
You’ll almost certainly be asked about the Early Years Foundation Stage. You don’t need to recite it word for word, but you should be comfortable talking about:
- The prime and specific areas of learning
- How you use observations to plan next steps for a child
- What being a key person means to you
03: Be ready to talk about safeguarding
Safeguarding questions come up in nearly every nursery interview. Know what you’d do if you had a concern about a child, who you’d report it to, and why recording things accurately matters. Clear, calm answers here really reassure interviewers.
04: Have real examples ready
Interviewers love examples from your own experience. Think of a few moments you can talk about, such as:
- Helping a child settle in
- Supporting a child with additional needs
- Handling a tricky conversation with a parent
- An activity you planned that went really well, and why
A simple way to structure these is: what happened, what you did, and what the outcome was.
05: Prepare for a practical session
Many nurseries ask you to spend time in the room as part of the interview. Don’t worry about being perfect. Get down to the children’s level, chat and play naturally, and follow their interests. Managers are looking for warmth and how you interact, not a polished performance.
06: Ask questions back
An interview works both ways. Good questions to ask include:
- How do you support staff training and development?
- What does a typical day look like in this room?
- How do you work with parents?
- What do your team enjoy most about working here?
07: The practical bits
Plan your journey so you arrive a few minutes early. Wear something smart but comfortable that you can move around in. Bring your ID and any certificates you’ve been asked for. And remember that it’s fine to be a bit nervous. It shows you care.
We’re here to help
When you register with Engage Healthcare, your consultant will help you prepare for every interview. That includes telling you about the setting beforehand, going through the kinds of questions to expect, and getting feedback for you afterwards.
Looking for your next nursery role? Call us on 01256 648 700 or register at engage-healthcare.co.uk.