Nailing a Room Trial at Fennies Nurseries: Showcasing Your Skills and Values

At Fennies Nurseries, the room trial is an essential part of our interview process. It gives candidates a chance to demonstrate their practical skills and understanding of the EYFS, while also showing how they embody Fennies’ core values: Be yourself and Come together, Be all in and Go further. We understand that a room trial can feel daunting, so here’s how you can excel and leave a lasting impression.

• 7 Tips on How to Nail Your Room Trail 
• Showcasing Your Skills and Values

7 Tips on Nailing a Room Trail 

1. Understand the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework

At Fennies, we are deeply committed to delivering the highest standard of early education, which is why understanding the EYFS framework is key. During your room trial, demonstrate how you support children’s learning and development by being familiar with the seven areas of learning, including communication, physical development, and personal and social development.

Top Tip

Be all in: Show your commitment by fully immersing yourself in the children’s world. Know the EYFS framework inside and out, and demonstrate your ability to foster learning through everyday play and structured activities.

2. Plan Engaging, Age-Appropriate Activities

Your activity planning during a room trial is a direct reflection of your creativity and practical skills. Choose activities that not only engage children but also align with their developmental stage. Sensory play, storytelling, arts, or messy play are all excellent options.

Top Tip

Go further: Don’t just pick an activity—think about how you can stretch and challenge and add more value to the children’s learning. Personalise the experience based on the children's interests and developmental needs, demonstrating that you’re always striving to provide more than just the basics.

3. Highlight Your Skills

Room trials are not just about observing the children—they're also a platform to showcase your skills in communication, observation, and behaviour management. Whether you’re guiding children through an activity or managing group dynamics, clarity and patience are essential.

Top Tip

Be yourself: Fennies celebrates individuality, so let your personality shine. Use your unique communication style to connect with children and colleagues, while maintaining a calm and positive approach to any challenges that arise.

4. Show Your Enthusiasm and Passion

At Fennies, we’re looking for people who are passionate about early education. Enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s important to show that you genuinely enjoy working with children and helping them grow.

Top Tip

Be all in: Give your best and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the role. Let your passion for early education shine through every interaction with the children.

5. Reflect and Adapt

After your room trial, you might be asked to reflect on the activity and how you could adapt it for different children or circumstances. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Top Tip

Go further: Be ready to discuss how you can improve and tailor activities to meet the needs of children at different stages of development. Show that you’re committed to continuous improvement and growth.

6. Health and Safety Awareness

At Fennies, we prioritise the safety and well-being of every child in our care. During your room trial, show that you understand the importance of safeguarding, hygiene, and creating a safe learning environment.

Top Tip

Come together: Ensuring health and safety isn’t a solo task—it requires teamwork and collaboration. Show how you can work with colleagues to maintain a safe and nurturing environment for the children.

7. Teamwork and Collaboration

At Fennies, we believe in the power of teamwork. Throughout your room trial, demonstrate how well you can collaborate with other staff members and communicate effectively.

Top Tip

Come together: Fennies values a team-oriented culture. Show how you can contribute to a positive work environment, supporting colleagues and working together to achieve the best outcomes for the children.

Showcasing Your Skills and Values

A room trial is your opportunity to showcase not just your technical skills, but how you align with our values. Be all in by giving your best effort, come together by collaborating with your team, be yourself by showing your authentic passion, and go further by always aiming to exceed expectations. 

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful trial!

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