The role of a Third In Charge at Bright Horizons is a crucial steppingstone in childcare leadership. It is a position that blends hands-on childcare with management responsibilities, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly, children are nurtured in a safe and stimulating environment, and staff feel supported. As Third In Charge, you are not only working directly with children but also assisting in leading the team, supporting the Deputy Manager and Nursery Manager, and stepping up when they are unavailable.
The job description typically includes safeguarding children, supervising staff, maintaining compliance with EYFS and Ofsted standards, building strong parent partnerships, and assisting with curriculum planning. Salaries for this role in the UK generally range from £23,000 to £27,000 per annum, depending on location, qualifications, and experience.
This blog post will guide you through 25 common Bright Horizons Third In Charge interview questions and answers, including competency-based questions, sample opening and closing questions, STAR model examples, and key do’s and don’ts. Whether you’re seeking interview training, working with an interview coach, or simply improving your job interview preparation, this resource is designed to help you feel confident and ready.
Why preparation matters for a Bright Horizons Third In Charge interview
Interviewing for this role requires a balance of demonstrating childcare expertise, leadership qualities, safeguarding knowledge, and the ability to inspire confidence in both parents and colleagues. Bright Horizons values candidates who show genuine passion, professional accountability, and the flexibility to adapt to a busy childcare environment. With the right interview coaching online, you can stand out and secure the role.
25 Interview Questions and Answers for a Third In Charge role at Bright Horizons
1. Tell me about yourself.
Answer: Focus on your childcare experience, qualifications (such as Level 3 in Early Years), leadership exposure, and passion for supporting children’s development. Example: “I have over five years of experience in early years settings, progressing from Nursery Practitioner to Room Leader, and now I’m ready to step up into a management role. I thrive in creating nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired.”
2. What do you understand about the role of a Third In Charge at Bright Horizons?
Answer: Highlight leadership support, safeguarding, and team collaboration. “The role requires balancing hands-on childcare with supporting the management team, ensuring compliance, and providing continuity when the Deputy or Manager are absent.”
3. Why do you want to work for Bright Horizons?
Answer: Research their values. “I admire Bright Horizons’ commitment to providing exceptional childcare and investing in staff development. The company’s reputation for quality care aligns with my own professional values.”
4. How do you ensure safeguarding and child protection in your practice?
Answer (STAR method):
Situation: Child disclosed a concern.
Task: Follow safeguarding policy.
Action: Listened carefully, reported to Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Result: Safeguarding procedures were followed and the child was protected.
5. How would you support a new member of staff struggling with policies?
Answer: “I would use a coaching approach, explaining the policy, modelling correct practice, and checking in with them regularly to ensure understanding. Encouragement and patience are key.”
6. Can you describe a time when you resolved a conflict between staff members?
Answer (STAR): Discuss listening to both sides, facilitating communication, and finding a professional compromise.
7. How do you balance paperwork and time with the children?
Answer: “By planning ahead, delegating effectively, and ensuring administrative tasks are completed without compromising quality time with the children.”
8. What would you do if you observed unsafe practice by a colleague?
Answer: “I would act immediately to protect the children, address the issue professionally with the colleague, and escalate to management if necessary.”
9. How do you maintain strong relationships with parents?
Answer: “By providing daily updates, being approachable, listening carefully, and handling concerns with empathy and professionalism.”
10. Describe your leadership style.
Answer: “I lead by example, with a supportive and approachable style. I encourage collaboration and ensure each team member feels valued.”
11. How do you handle Ofsted inspections?
Answer: “By staying prepared daily, ensuring all compliance is up to date, and coaching the team to feel confident about their role in inspections.”
12. How do you promote diversity and inclusion in a nursery setting?
Answer: “By embedding inclusive practice in planning, celebrating cultural events, and ensuring resources reflect diversity.”
13. How would you motivate your team during a challenging period?
Answer: “Through recognition, encouragement, setting achievable goals, and leading with positivity and resilience.”
14. Give an example of using the EYFS framework effectively.
Answer: Provide a STAR example of planning an activity linked to EYFS outcomes that supported measurable child development.
15. What are your strengths as a childcare leader?
Answer: “Organisation, safeguarding knowledge, communication, and the ability to inspire confidence in both children and staff.”
16. What is your greatest professional achievement in childcare so far?
Answer: Share a STAR story – e.g., successfully leading a team to improve an Ofsted rating.
17. How would you manage a situation where a parent is unhappy with care provided?
Answer: “I would listen carefully, acknowledge their feelings, investigate fairly, and work on a resolution while maintaining professionalism.”
18. How do you support children with additional needs?
Answer: “By working with SENCO, creating tailored strategies, engaging parents, and ensuring inclusive participation.”
19. How do you handle stress in a busy childcare environment?
Answer: “I prioritise tasks, delegate appropriately, and maintain a calm presence to reassure both staff and children.”
20. What would your colleagues say about you?
Answer: “They’d describe me as approachable, supportive, and someone who is always willing to help.”
21. How do you stay up to date with childcare legislation?
Answer: “By attending training, reading sector updates, and sharing knowledge with the team.”
22. What motivates you in childcare leadership?
Answer: “Seeing children thrive and helping staff grow into confident practitioners.”
23. Why should we hire you as a Third In Charge at Bright Horizons?
Answer: “Because I bring proven childcare expertise, strong leadership qualities, and a commitment to Bright Horizons’ values.”
24. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: Examples: “How do you support leadership development within Bright Horizons?” or “What are the biggest priorities for this nursery over the next year?”
25. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “Progressing into a Deputy or Nursery Manager role within Bright Horizons, continuing to grow with the company.”
Do’s and Don’ts in a Bright Horizons Interview
Do: Research the nursery, arrive early, and prepare STAR examples.
Do: Show enthusiasm for childcare and leadership.
Don’t: Speak negatively about past employers.
Don’t: Give vague answers—always back up with examples.
Final Interview Coaching Tips
Remember, interviewing for a Third In Charge role is about demonstrating both your childcare expertise and your ability to lead confidently. Use the STAR model to structure competency answers, ask thoughtful questions at the end, and present yourself as someone ready to support Bright Horizons’ mission.
If you feel nervous or want to sharpen your skills, consider working with a professional interview coach. With over 25 years as a UK career coaching professional, I’ve seen first-hand how interview training and job interview preparation can transform outcomes. You can even access tailored interview coaching online from the comfort of your home.
Book an interview coaching appointment today and take control of your career journey.
