Nursery Interview Questions UK

Are you preparing for a nursery job interview and feeling nervous about what they might ask? Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. In this video, we’re going to break down the top nursery interview questions and talk about how to answer them effectively so you can head into your interview with confidence. Whether you’re brand new to childcare or you’ve got some experience under your belt, these tips will help you shine.

Hello and welcome back to How to Open a Nursery UK! My name is [Your Name], and I’m the founder of a successful nursery business. I started my own nursery back in 2014 and have spent years running nurseries and recruiting staff – so I’ve been on the other side of that interview table many, many times. In this video, I’ll be drawing on my experience to guide you through common interview questions nursery employers ask, what interviewers are really looking for in your answers, and how you can deliver responses that make you stand out as a passionate, knowledgeable, and dependable childcare professional.

By the end of this video, you’ll not only know what questions to expect, but you’ll also have a clear idea of how to tackle each one like a pro. So if you’re aiming to land your dream job in childcare, keep watching – this guide is going to help you ace that nursery interview!

Top Nursery Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)

Alright, let’s dive into the common questions you’re likely to face in a nursery job interview. For each question, I’ll explain why interviewers ask it – what they’re hoping to hear – and give you some tips on how to answer confidently. Remember, the goal is to show your enthusiasm for working with children, your understanding of early years education, and how well you’d fit into their team. I’ll also share pointers for those new to childcare as well as for experienced candidates. Let’s get started!

1. Why do you want to work in childcare / Why do you enjoy working with children?

This is often one of the first questions you’ll be asked. Interviewers use it to gauge your motivation and passion for working with young children. They want to hear genuine enthusiasm and to know that you understand what working in early years involves – that you’re not just after any job, but truly care about helping children grow.

How to answer: Share what inspired you to pursue childcare. Maybe it was babysitting younger siblings, a positive experience during a college course, or the joy you felt volunteering at a kids’ club. For example, “I helped look after my little cousins and loved seeing how they learned new things each day – it made me want to work with children professionally.” Highlight the aspects of the job you find rewarding – like watching children gain confidence, or planning fun activities that help them learn. If you have past experience, mention a favorite part of those roles (perhaps you loved circle time or arts and crafts sessions). If you’re new, focus on the personal qualities (patience, creativity, empathy) and experiences that show you’re made for this work. The key is to show a genuine passion for working with children – this will reassure the interviewer that you’re in it for the right reasons.

2. What qualifications or training do you have for this role?

Employers will likely ask about your childcare qualifications to ensure you meet the requirements. For many roles in the UK (like nursery practitioner), usually a Level 2 or 3 qualification in Early Years is expected. Even if it’s on your CV, they want to hear you talk about your training and see that you’re committed to learning and professional development.

How to answer: State your relevant qualifications and any certifications. For example, “I have a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education” or “I’m currently working on my Level 2 and plan to continue to Level 3.” Mention additional training like pediatric first aid or safeguarding courses if you have them. If you’re still in training or just starting, emphasize your eagerness to learn: “I’ll be starting my childcare apprenticeship and I’m very excited to keep developing my skills.” The key is to show that you have (or are working toward) the required qualifications and that you value ongoing professional development – which reassures them that you’re serious about a career in childcare.

3. How familiar are you with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework?

The EYFS framework is the curriculum and standards for early childhood education in the UK, so employers often ask about it. They want to see if you have a basic understanding of this framework that guides how we support children’s learning and development from birth to five. They’re not expecting you to be an expert (especially if you’re new), but they do want to know you’re aware of it and appreciate its importance in nursery work.

How to answer: Even if you haven’t worked with EYFS before, show that you’ve done your homework. You could say something like: “The EYFS is the framework that sets out the key areas of learning and development for children under five, and it guides how nursery staff plan activities and track children’s progress.” If you have experience, mention how you used the EYFS: “In my last role, I helped plan activities around EYFS goals – for example, we did counting games to support early numeracy.” If you’re new, express enthusiasm to learn: “I studied the basics of EYFS in my course, and I’m excited to apply it in practice and learn more on the job.” This shows the interviewer you’re aware of the standards and committed to following the professional guidelines for early years education.

4. What is your understanding of safeguarding, and what would you do if you had a concern about a child’s welfare?

Safeguarding is absolutely critical in childcare. The interviewer asks this to make sure you know how to keep children safe and what steps to take if you suspect a child is being harmed or is at risk. They need to hear that you understand your responsibility to protect children. (This is one area where a wrong answer can cost you the job, so it’s very important!)

How to answer: Start by briefly defining safeguarding: “Safeguarding means all the steps we take to keep children safe from harm and abuse.” Then explain what you’d do if you had a concern. For example: “I would follow the nursery’s safeguarding policy straight away – document my concerns and report them immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or manager. I know I shouldn’t investigate myself; I should pass it to the appropriate person. I’d also keep the information confidential, only sharing with the people who need to know.” This kind of answer shows you understand the proper procedure. Even if you’re new, make it clear you know you have a duty to report and that you would act quickly and correctly to protect the child. The interviewer will feel confident that you take safeguarding seriously and know how to handle such situations responsibly.

5. How would you handle a situation where a child is upset or anxious?

Interviewers ask this to see your empathy and calming skills. In a nursery, you’ll often need to comfort a child who’s crying or anxious – maybe a toddler with separation anxiety or a child who got hurt or scared. They want to make sure you will respond with patience and kindness, keeping the child’s emotional well-being in mind.

How to answer: Explain the gentle approach you’d take. For instance: “First, I would stay calm and get down to the child’s level, speaking softly and offering a hug or their favorite toy.” Then describe how you’d soothe them: “I’d reassure them that they’re safe and maybe distract them with a fun activity or a story once they’re a bit calmer.” The idea is to show you’d be nurturing and patient. You can add that you’d keep an eye on the child afterwards and communicate with the team and the parents: “I’d let their key worker know they were upset and what helped, and also mention it to the parents so we can work together if it happens again.” This tells the interviewer you’re caring, attentive, and proactive about a child’s emotional needs. They’ll see that you can handle tears and tantrums in a calm, comforting way, which is exactly what they want in a good nursery practitioner.

6. Can you give an example of when you worked as part of a team?

Good nurseries run on teamwork, so interviewers want to know you can work well with others. They’re looking for signs that you communicate well, support your colleagues, and contribute positively to group efforts – because caring for children is very much a team job.

How to answer: Share a short story that highlights your teamwork. It could be from a previous job or even a group project in school. Explain the situation and what you did. For example: “At my last nursery job, we were organizing a holiday party for the children. I teamed up with two colleagues to plan it – I took charge of the arts and crafts activity while they organized the games and snacks. We kept each other updated and helped out wherever needed.” Then share the outcome: “The event went smoothly and we got great feedback from parents. It went well because we communicated and worked together.” If you don’t have work experience, use something like: “In college, I did a group assignment to create a nursery lesson plan. I coordinated our meetings and made sure everyone’s ideas were included, and we got a high grade thanks to our teamwork.” The key is to show you’re cooperative and reliable.

7. How have you handled challenging behaviour from a child, or how would you handle it?

Questions about difficult behaviour (like tantrums, biting, or not listening) are very common. Interviewers want to see your approach to discipline and behaviour management. They’re looking for a calm, positive approach that aligns with how nurseries handle things – focusing on guidance and consistency rather than punishment.

How to answer: If you have a real example, share it briefly. For example: “I once cared for a 3-year-old who would sometimes hit others out of frustration. When it happened, I stayed calm, got down to his level and said gently but firmly that we don’t hit because it hurts. Then I guided him to express his feelings with words and offered a different activity to help him calm down. With patience and positive reminders, his behavior improved over time.” If you don’t have a past example, explain what you would do: “If a child had a tantrum, I would first make sure everyone was safe, then speak softly and give the child a bit of space to cool down while letting them know I’m there. Once they calm down, I’d talk to them at their level about what happened and why the behavior is not okay, and what we can do instead when we’re upset.” Also mention you’d follow the nursery’s behavior policy and keep consistency: “I’d work with my colleagues and the child’s parents so we’re all using the same approach.” This shows you are patient, understanding, and use positive strategies to handle challenging behaviour – exactly what the interviewer wants to hear.

8. Why do you want to work at our nursery (or what do you know about our nursery)?

Interviewers almost always ask a question like this – they want to know that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in their nursery specifically, not just any job. This is your chance to show you’re excited about their setting and that you’d be a great fit for their team and values.

How to answer: Before the interview, research the nursery (look at their website, values, any special approach they use). Then tailor your answer. For example: “I want to work here because I really admire your focus on creative learning and the warm, friendly atmosphere I noticed when I visited. I know you also do a Forest School program for outdoor play, which I’m really excited about because I love taking learning outside.” Mention something specific you learned or observed, as that shows genuine interest. You could add: “I saw great parent reviews about how caring the staff are here – I would be proud to be part of such a dedicated team.” Finally, connect it to you: “My own teaching philosophy is all about learning through play and exploration, which seems like a perfect fit with your nursery’s approach.” This kind of answer shows that you’ve put thought into why you chose their nursery and that you’re enthusiastic about joining them. It tells the interviewer you’re not just looking for any job – you want to be a part of what they do.

Nursery Interview & Recruitment Resource Pack

Before we wrap up, I want to mention the Nursery Recruitment Pack I’ve put together, which includes a detailed Interview Questions Resource. If you need extra help preparing, this pack has more common interview questions with sample answers, checklists for your interview day, and insider tips from my experience to help you impress employers. You can find the link in the description below. Definitely check it out if you want to dive deeper and boost your confidence for your interview!

Conclusion & Call to Action

I hope you found these interview questions and answer tips helpful! Remember, the key to success is preparation and being yourself. Show your passion for childcare, be honest about your experiences, and don’t be afraid to pause and think before you answer. You’ve got this!

If you found this video useful, please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to How to Open a Nursery UK for more childcare career tips. And don’t forget to check out the Nursery Interview Resource Pack linked below to help you prepare even more. Good luck with your interview – I’m sure you’ll do great! Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video.