Nursery Interview Questions: What To Ask And What To Say – 2025 Guide

Whether you're a Level 2 or 3 qualified educator looking for your next role, or you're eager to kickstart a rewarding career in childcare through an apprenticeship, preparing for your nursery interview is key to making a strong impression. This guide will help you navigate the interview process at Fennies with confidence, exploring avenues such as:

• The Interview Process for an Early Years Educator At Fennies
• Early Years Educator Interview Screening Questions
• How To Prepare For Your Nursery Interview
• Example Interview Questions For Apprentices At Fennies
• Nursery Interview Questions For Qualified Early Years Educators
• How To Stand Out in Nursery Interviews
• How to Use the STAR Method for Answering Competency-Based Questions
• Example Questions to Ask at Your Nursery Interview
• How to Make a Lasting Impression in Your Nursery Interview

The Interview Process For An Early Years Educator At Fennies

At Fennies, we’re committed to a thorough and inclusive recruitment process, designed not only to help us find the right fit for our nurseries but also to give you the chance to determine if Fennies is the right place for your career growth.

1. Initial Application And Screening

After submitting your CV or applying through our careers page, you’ll be scheduled for an initial telephone interview with a member of our recruitment team. We understand the challenges of balancing work and interviews, which is why we offer flexible, out-of-hours calls to suit your schedule.

During this call, we’ll introduce you to Fennies - sharing insights about our mission, values, and what sets us apart from other nursery groups. You’ll also learn about our comprehensive employee benefits package, internal training programmes and opportunities for career development. We’ll tailor the conversation to your background, exploring your preferred age groups, previous experience, desired nursery locations, and professional aspirations.

2. In-Depth Application And Second Interview

Following the telephone interview, you’ll complete a detailed application form before moving on to the next stage which is an in-person interview at one of our nurseries. This interview is typically conducted by the Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, or another key member of the leadership team.

This stage involves two key components:

• Structured Interview - We’ll dive deeper into your childcare knowledge and practical experience, with questions tailored to Early Years education.
• Room Trial - You’ll have the chance to engage directly with children and our team during a room trial. This helps us assess your interaction skills and allows you to experience the Fennies environment first-hand.

3. Safer Recruitment And Final Checks

As part of our robust recruitment process, we adhere to strict safeguarding standards:

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
• Verification of two professional references
• Dual interviewers present (even for virtual interviews)
• Supervision during room trials
• Recruitment team trained in Safer Recruitment practices

This comprehensive approach ensures the safety and well-being of the children in our care and supports our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in Early Years education.

Early Years Educator Interview Screening Questions

After submitting your CV, your journey begins with a telephone screening interview designed to assess your suitability for the role and introduce you to the core responsibilities of the position. 

Here are some typical questions you can expect:

• What early years qualifications and skills do you have?
• What does safeguarding mean to you, and why is it important?
• What do you know about the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework?

These questions help us understand your foundational knowledge and passion for Early Years education.

How To Prepare For Your Nursery Interview

Feeling nervous before an interview is completely normal, but preparation can help you feel more confident. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Do Your Homework

• Research Fennies by exploring our website and social media channels.
• Learn about our curriculum, values, and what makes us unique.
• Familiarise yourself with the specific nursery location where your interview will be held.

2. Plan Ahead

• Punctuality Matters - Plan your route to the nursery in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Dress Professionally - First impressions count, so opt for smart attire.
• Positive Attitude - Greet everyone warmly, from the receptionist to the management team.

3. Show Your Passion

We value educators who are enthusiastic about Early Years development. Be ready to discuss creative ideas for activities, your approach to engaging children, and how you support their learning through play. During your room trial, you might be asked to set up an activity or share your thoughts on working with different age groups.

Example Interview Questions For Apprentices At Fennies

If you're applying for an apprenticeship, don’t worry if you’re not yet an expert on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we don’t expect you to be. What we’re really looking for is enthusiasm, a genuine interest in childcare, and the potential to grow within the role. Demonstrating these qualities during your interview will help you stand out.

Here are some example questions you might be asked during an apprenticeship interview at Fennies:

• Why do you want to work in Early Years education?
• What skills do you have that would be helpful when working with babies and young children?
• How do you work as part of a team?
• Can you explain how you would help keep children safe in the nursery?
• How would you support a child's development and learning through play?

In addition to these, we often include scenario-based questions to understand how you might respond in real-life situations, such as:

• A child is new to nursery and hasn’t stopped crying. What would you do to help them settle?
• If you noticed two colleagues having a disagreement in front of the children, how would you handle the situation?

When answering these questions, try to provide clear, thoughtful responses. Even if you don’t have direct childcare experience, think about other situations where you’ve demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving or caring responsibilities, whether that be at school, in part-time jobs, or during volunteer work.

Nursery Interview Questions For Qualified Early Years Educators

For experienced educators applying for roles at Fennies, we’ll delve deeper into your professional knowledge, particularly around safeguarding, child development and best practices in Early Years education.

Here are some example interview questions you’re likely to encounter:

• What would you do if you had a concern about a child’s well-being?
• Can you give examples of health and safety policies you’ve followed when working with young children?
• Why is it important to maintain open communication with parents, and how have you done this in the past?
• Describe your current role, how many children are in your room, and what is the staff-to-child ratio?
• How do you support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

These questions are designed to assess your understanding of Early Years education principles, as well as your practical experience managing the day-to-day responsibilities of working in a nursery setting.

How To Stand Out in Nursery Interviews

The childcare sector continues to grow, making nursery educator roles more competitive than ever. To stand out in your interview in 2025 at Fennies, consider the following tips:

1. Show Genuine Passion For Early Years Education

Passion is hard to fake and easy to spot. Share specific examples from your experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for working with children. Whether it’s a creative activity you’ve designed or a success story of a child you’ve supported, personal anecdotes make your passion tangible.

2. Stay Up-to-Date With The Latest EYFS Framework

If you’re a qualified educator, demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning by referencing updates to the EYFS framework. Showing that you’re knowledgeable about current best practices will set you apart as a proactive and engaged professional.

3. Highlight Your Creativity

At Fennies, we love seeing how educators bring learning to life. Be ready to discuss activities you’ve planned that inspire curiosity and foster development, whether that’s a STEM project, an imaginative role-play setup or outdoor learning activities.

4. Showcase Your Commitment To Professional Growth

Talk about any additional training, certifications or professional development you’ve undertaken. Fennies value educators who are dedicated to their own growth as much as the children’s.

How to Use the STAR Method for Answering Competency-Based Questions

Competency-based interview questions are a staple in Early Years recruitment. These questions often begin with phrases like, “Can you give an example of a time when…” and are designed to assess how you’ve handled specific situations in the past.

To answer effectively, use the STAR method:

• Situation - Describe the context or background.
• Task - Explain the challenge or responsibility you faced.
• Action - Detail the specific steps you took to address the task.
• Result - Share the outcome (What happened? What did you learn? What impact did you make?).

Example: Handling a Difficult Situation in the Nursery

• Situation - “In my previous role, I noticed that one child was consistently disengaged during group activities.”
• Task - “I recognised that it was my responsibility to ensure all children felt included and engaged in learning.”
• Action - “I observed the child’s interests and discovered they preferred quieter, one-on-one activities. I tailored activities to gradually build their confidence in small groups.”
• Result - “Over time, the child became more comfortable participating in group settings and even began to initiate interactions with peers.”

Practising STAR responses before your interview will help you structure your answers clearly and confidently.

Example Questions to Ask at Your Nursery Interview

When your interview concludes and the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”, don’t miss out on the opportunity to shine. Thoughtful questions show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and proactive about finding the right fit for your career.

Here are some great questions to consider asking during your Fennies interview:

• What does career progression look like at Fennies?
  This demonstrates your ambition and interest in long-term growth within the company.
• What internal training courses and professional development opportunities do you offer?
  It shows that you’re committed to continuous learning, a quality highly valued in Early Years education.
• How would you support me through my apprenticeship or further qualifications?
  This question highlights your desire to grow your skills, whether you're just starting out or looking to advance.
• What does a typical day look like at Fennies?
  Understanding the daily structure can help you visualise what working at Fennies will be like and shows that you’re thinking practically about the role.
• If I asked a current team member what it’s like to work here, what would they say?
  This question gives you insight into the team culture, work environment, and what’s valued at Fennies.
• How does the nursery manager support staff well-being?
  It’s important to know how your potential employer prioritises the well-being of their team, and this question shows you value a healthy work environment.

Pro Tip:

Before your interview, take some time to explore the Fennies Website, especially the ‘Why Fennies’ section. This will help you tailor your questions to show you’ve done your research. 

How to Make a Lasting Impression in Your Nursery Interview

1. Preparation Is Key

• Research the nursery location where you’re interviewing.
• Familiarise yourself with Fennies’ ethos, curriculum and values.
• Review the job description carefully and think about how your skills match the role.

2. Showcase Your Unique Strengths

Think about what makes you unique as an educator. Is it your creative approach to learning? Your strong understanding of child development? Your ability to build strong relationships with parents? Whatever it is, be sure to highlight it.

3. Be Confident, But Authentic

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember: Fennies is looking for real people who are passionate about Early Years education. Be yourself, share your experiences, and let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through.

Final Checklist: Preparing for Your Fennies Interview

• Research Fennies - Visit fennies.com and review key pages like Our Nurseries, Curriculum & Pedagogy, and Parent Partnerships.
• Review the EYFS Framework - Brush up on your knowledge, especially any recent updates.
• Prepare STAR Method Examples - Think of real-life situations that showcase your skills.
• Plan Your Outfit - Dress professionally to make a great first impression.
• Get Your Questions Ready - Use the list above or come up with your own based on what matters most to you.
• Stay Calm and Positive - Take deep breaths, smile, and remember, you’ve got this!

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