As someone who has spent over 25 years as an interview coach helping candidates secure roles across childcare, education, and healthcare, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of being fully prepared for your Nursery Nurse interview at Bright Horizons. This role is much more than simply watching over children – it’s about shaping early development, supporting learning, and ensuring a safe, nurturing environment.
The Importance of the Nursery Nurse Role
At Bright Horizons, a Nursery Nurse plays a central role in children’s first educational experiences. You’ll work with babies, toddlers, and young children, supporting their emotional, physical, and social development through structured play, learning activities, and personal care. The role requires patience, energy, creativity, and above all, a passion for helping children thrive.
Nursery Nurse Job Description
Typically, your duties will include:
Planning and supervising activities aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Creating a safe and stimulating environment.
Supporting children with feeding, hygiene, and emotional wellbeing.
Observing and reporting on children’s progress to parents and senior staff.
Ensuring safeguarding and health & safety standards are upheld.
Salary Expectations
On average, a Nursery Nurse at Bright Horizons in the UK earns between £22,000 and £28,000 per year, depending on experience and location. In larger cities such as London, this can be higher, with additional benefits including professional training, childcare discounts, and career progression opportunities.
Now, let’s walk through 25 detailed interview questions and answers you may encounter, structured with sample responses, STAR model examples, and tailored coaching advice.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Sample Answer:
“I have over three years’ experience working in childcare, starting as an apprentice and progressing to a Level 3 qualified Nursery Nurse. I’m passionate about early childhood education, particularly supporting children with creative play and helping them achieve developmental milestones. What excites me about Bright Horizons is your commitment to nurturing both children and staff.”
2. Why do you want to work at Bright Horizons?
Sample Answer:
“I admire Bright Horizons’ reputation for delivering outstanding childcare and your focus on staff development. I want to work in an environment that values teamwork and high-quality learning, where I can contribute positively while continuing my own professional growth.”
3. What do you think makes an excellent Nursery Nurse?
Sample Answer:
“An excellent Nursery Nurse is compassionate, observant, and adaptable. They can spot when a child needs extra support, create fun and safe activities, and build trust with both children and parents.”
4. How do you ensure safeguarding in your role?
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: At my previous nursery, I noticed a child was often withdrawn and not eating.
Task: My responsibility was to follow safeguarding procedures.
Action: I documented my observations, reported them to the designated safeguarding lead, and supported the child gently without probing.
Result: The appropriate professionals became involved, ensuring the child’s safety.
5. How do you handle challenging behaviour?
Sample Answer:
“I stay calm and use positive behaviour management techniques, such as redirection, offering choices, and reinforcing positive behaviour. I also ensure consistency and work closely with parents.”
6. Can you describe your knowledge of the EYFS framework?
Sample Answer:
“I’m fully trained in the EYFS framework and understand its importance in planning activities, assessing children’s progress, and ensuring their holistic development. I use it to tailor learning to individual needs.”
7. How would you support a child with additional needs?
Sample Answer:
“I would adapt activities, provide one-to-one support, and collaborate with SEN coordinators and parents to ensure the child feels included and supported.”
8. Give an example of when you worked as part of a team.
Sample Answer with STAR:
Situation: During a staff shortage, our nursery was stretched thin.
Task: I needed to support my colleagues while ensuring children’s safety.
Action: I volunteered to take on additional responsibilities, helping cover the toddler room and maintaining routines.
Result: The day ran smoothly, and my manager praised my teamwork and flexibility.
9. How do you build trust with parents?
Sample Answer:
“By being approachable, consistent, and transparent. I always greet parents warmly, share honest updates, and listen to their concerns respectfully.”
10. What activities would you plan for 2–3-year-olds?
Sample Answer:
“I would plan sensory play with sand and water, simple puzzles for problem-solving, and outdoor activities to develop gross motor skills. I’d also incorporate songs and rhymes to build language.”
11. How do you ensure equality and inclusion?
Sample Answer:
“By celebrating cultural diversity, adapting activities to suit all abilities, and ensuring no child feels left out. I encourage children to respect differences through stories, discussions, and inclusive play.”
12. How do you cope with stress in a busy childcare setting?
Sample Answer:
“I stay organised, prioritise tasks, and communicate with my team. I also remind myself that teamwork and asking for help are key.”
13. What would you do if a parent disagreed with your approach?
Sample Answer:
“I would listen calmly, respect their views, and explain my reasoning based on best practice and safeguarding. If needed, I would escalate the matter to a manager.”
14. How do you support children’s emotional wellbeing?
Sample Answer:
“Through reassurance, active listening, and creating a safe, consistent routine. I always encourage children to express feelings through play and conversation.”
15. Can you give an example of using creativity in your work?
Sample Answer:
“I once designed a themed ‘mini farm week’ with sensory activities, storytelling, and outdoor exploration. It engaged children, supported EYFS goals, and was praised by parents.”
16. What’s your biggest strength?
Sample Answer:
“My ability to connect with children quickly and make them feel comfortable. I use patience and humour to build strong relationships.”
17. What’s your biggest weakness?
Sample Answer:
“I sometimes take on too much because I like to help, but I’ve been learning to delegate and trust my colleagues more.”
18. How do you encourage language development?
Sample Answer:
“I use storytelling, singing, and open-ended questions to spark conversation. I also repeat words back clearly to support vocabulary building.”
19. What do you do if a child refuses to participate?
Sample Answer:
“I never force participation. Instead, I gently encourage, offer alternatives, and adapt the activity so the child feels included in a way that suits them.”
20. How do you monitor and record children’s progress?
Sample Answer:
“I observe daily, take notes and photos, and input information into progress trackers, linking it directly to EYFS outcomes. I then share this with parents.”
21. How do you handle conflicts between children?
Sample Answer:
“I intervene calmly, allow both children to express themselves, and guide them towards a resolution by explaining empathy and turn-taking.”
22. What motivates you in childcare?
Sample Answer:
“Seeing children grow in confidence and independence motivates me every day. Helping shape their early years is both a privilege and a responsibility.”
23. How do you maintain health and safety?
Sample Answer:
“By carrying out regular risk assessments, maintaining ratios, keeping the environment clean, and staying up to date with first aid training.”
24. What would you do if you suspected neglect at home?
Sample Answer:
“I would never confront parents directly. Instead, I would follow safeguarding protocols: documenting observations and reporting to the designated safeguarding lead.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Sample Ending Questions:
“How does Bright Horizons support professional development for Nursery Nurses?”
“Can you tell me more about team structure at this nursery?”
“What qualities do you value most in your Nursery Nurses?”
General Interview Coaching Encouragement and Tips
As you prepare for your Bright Horizons interview, remember these do’s and don’ts:
Do’s:
Research Bright Horizons’ values and approach to childcare.
Use the STAR model for competency questions.
Prepare thoughtful ending questions.
Smile, show enthusiasm, and be yourself.
Don’ts:
Don’t criticise past employers.
Don’t memorise answers word-for-word.
Don’t underestimate the importance of body language.
Final Encouragement
Walking into your interview, remind yourself that you already have the passion and skills to succeed. Preparation is about structuring your experiences into clear, confident examples. By practising with an interview coach and focusing on job interview preparation, you’ll boost your confidence, articulate your strengths, and stand out from the competition.
If you’d like to take your preparation further, I invite you to book a one-to-one session with me for interview coaching online. With tailored guidance, mock interviews, and personalised feedback, you can approach your Bright Horizons Nursery Nurse interview with total confidence.
👉 Book your interview training here
