Common Nursery Interview Questions & How To Answer Them
If you’re applying for nursery jobs in and around Croydon or looking to progress in your early years career, preparing for the interview process is essential. Whether you're hoping to become a nursery assistant, practitioner, or even step up to a room leader position, knowing how to approach nursery interview questions with confidence can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most frequently asked nursery interview questions, share advice on how to answer them (from our own experiences), and provide useful tips to help you stand out as a candidate.
Why Interviews Matter in Nursery Roles
Nurseries have a responsibility to safeguard and nurture babies, toddlers, and young children, so the staffing process is taken seriously. Employers want to see your experience, understand your qualifications, and get a feel for your attitude toward child development.
At Abbey Wood Grange, we know that strong teams are built on empathy, resilience, and professional growth. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for your next challenge, it’s important to show your aspirations and readiness to contribute.
7 Common Nursery Interview Questions
Below are some typical questions asked during nursery interviews, along with tips to help you form your own meaningful answers:
1. “Why do you want to work in childcare?”
What They’re Looking For: Passion, motivation, and a genuine interest in working with children.
How to Answer: Talk about when you first realised you wanted to work with young children – maybe it was a personal experience or a college placement? Link this passion to your desire to support children’s progress and well-being. Keep it personal and sincere
2. “What experience do you have with different age groups?”
What They’re Looking For: Practical experience and confidence working with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
How to Answer: Describe where and when you’ve worked with various age groups. Include any placements or previous nursery jobs, highlighting how you adapted to each group’s needs.
Expert Tip: Be specific – mention nappy changing, planning age-appropriate activities, or dealing with separation anxiety.
3. “How do you support a child’s learning and development?”
What They’re Looking For: Knowledge of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework and a proactive approach to learning.
How to Answer: Give examples of activities you've used to encourage learning, such as storytelling, messy play, or outdoor exploration. Explain how you monitor and document progress.
Expert Tip: Reference specific EYFS areas and demonstrate your understanding of child-led learning.
4. “What would you do if a child were distressed or unwell?”
What They’re Looking For: Safeguarding awareness and emotional intelligence.
How to Answer: Explain how you would comfort the child, follow nursery procedures, and inform the appropriate staff and parents. Mention any training in first aid or safeguarding.
Expert Tip: Stay calm and logical in your explanation – this shows you can handle sensitive situations.
5. “How do you work as part of a team?”
What They’re Looking For: Teamwork, communication, and understanding your role in the setting.
How to Answer: Share examples of working with colleagues to plan activities, communicate with parents, or step in during busy times. Good nursery staff support one another – show you understand this.
Expert Tip: Mention how you welcome feedback and contribute positively to team dynamics.
6. “How do you handle challenging behaviour?”
What They’re Looking For: Your behaviour management strategies and consistency.
How to Answer: Describe a time when you helped a child manage their emotions or redirected unwanted behaviour. Talk about remaining calm and using positive reinforcement.
Expert Tip: Link your approach to policies and what you’ve learned from past experiences.
7. “Where do you see yourself in 3 to 5 years?”
What They’re Looking For: Long-term career aspirations and motivation for progression.
How to Answer: Whether you aim to be a nursery room leader, specialise in SEND, or complete further qualifications, be honest. Employers appreciate candidates who want to grow and push themselves further over time.
Questions You Might Be Asked if Applying as a Room Leader
If you're applying for a Nursery Room Leader position, expect some more in-depth interview questions, such as:
- “How do you lead a team through a busy day in the room?”
- “How do you ensure your room meets all health and safety standards?”
- “How do you support junior staff and promote their progression?”
Expert Tip: Show leadership experience and confidence in managing both children and staff. Use real examples from your past work to back up the answers you provide.
Preparing for Your Interview: Final Tips
- Do Your Research: Know the nursery’s ethos, e.g. how Abbey Wood Grange supports children’s holistic development.
- Reflect on Your Experiences: Think about what makes you a great fit and how your journey has prepared you for this role.
- Practice Out Loud: Get comfortable speaking about your skills, experiences, and qualifications.
- Stay Positive and Calm: A confident, caring attitude can go a long way – even if you don’t have years of experience!
Looking for Nursery Jobs in South Croydon?
If you're actively looking for a rewarding career in early years, we have a range of exciting opportunities for nursery jobs in South Croydon at Abbey Wood Grange. We're always looking for passionate individuals to join our supportive team and give local children the best nursery experience possible.
Whether you're newly qualified or an experienced practitioner, we offer excellent career progression, in-house training, and a warm, inclusive working environment. Explore our current vacancies, or get in touch if you need more information about what we’re looking for.
