The role of a Nursery Practitioner is both rewarding and crucial. Nursery Practitioners are responsible for supporting the development, learning, and wellbeing of young children, usually from birth to five years old, in a safe and nurturing environment. These professionals play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s early experiences, helping them develop essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills. The job involves planning and delivering age-appropriate activities, observing and recording progress, supporting children with additional needs, liaising with parents, and ensuring all health and safety standards are met. In the UK, the average salary for a Nursery Practitioner ranges from £18,000 to £23,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the childcare setting.
If you’re preparing for a Nursery Practitioner interview, having a structured understanding of the types of questions you might face and the best ways to answer them can significantly increase your chances of success. Below, I’ve detailed 25 common interview questions and answers, along with tips on using the STAR method, competency-based questions, and finishing strong at the end of your interview.
Opening Questions and Answers
1. Can you tell us about yourself?
This is often the first question. Keep it concise and relevant to childcare. Focus on your experience, skills, and passion for early years education.
Sample Answer:
“I have over three years’ experience as a Nursery Practitioner in busy childcare centres. I’m passionate about supporting children’s development through creative activities, and I enjoy working closely with parents and colleagues to ensure each child’s needs are met. I’m particularly interested in promoting early literacy and social skills.”
2. Why do you want to work in our nursery?
Show you’ve researched the setting and align your values with theirs.
Sample Answer:
“I admire your nursery’s focus on holistic child development and outdoor learning. I want to contribute to a setting that values creativity, inclusion, and a supportive environment for both children and staff.”
3. What do you think are the key responsibilities of a Nursery Practitioner?
Highlight practical duties and understanding of child development.
Sample Answer:
“Key responsibilities include planning age-appropriate activities, observing and recording children’s progress, supporting their social and emotional development, maintaining safety standards, and communicating effectively with parents and colleagues.”
Competency Questions and Answers
Competency-based questions assess your skills and behaviour in workplace scenarios. Using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you structure answers.
4. Give an example of a time you had to handle a challenging behaviour in a child.
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: A child was refusing to share toys during group play.
Task: I needed to encourage positive interaction and teamwork.
Action: I introduced a turn-taking game and praised cooperative behaviour.
Result: The child gradually learned to share, and the group activity continued smoothly.
5. How do you ensure all children are included in activities?
Sample Answer:
“I observe each child’s individual interests and abilities. I adapt activities so that every child can participate, provide additional support where needed, and encourage peer assistance to foster a sense of belonging.”
6. Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team.
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: Our team was preparing for a themed learning week.
Task: I needed to collaborate to plan activities and resources.
Action: I shared my ideas, supported colleagues with setup, and ensured smooth delivery.
Result: The themed week was successful, children were engaged, and staff feedback was positive.
7. How do you handle confidential information about children or families?
Sample Answer:
“I strictly adhere to data protection policies, share information only with authorised colleagues, and ensure all records are stored securely.”
8. Tell us about a time you had to resolve a conflict with a parent.
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: A parent disagreed with how their child’s behaviour was being managed.
Task: I needed to address their concerns respectfully.
Action: I listened carefully, explained our approach, and suggested a collaborative strategy.
Result: The parent felt reassured, and we implemented a plan that worked for everyone.
9. Give an example of how you supported a child’s learning through play.
Sample Answer:
“I observed a child struggling with counting. I created a playful number scavenger hunt, encouraging them to count items around the room. They developed confidence and enjoyed learning through play.”
10. How do you stay up to date with childcare practices?
Sample Answer:
“I attend workshops, read early years publications, and follow government and Ofsted updates to ensure my practice reflects the latest guidelines and best practice.”
Technical and Knowledge-Based Questions
11. What are the stages of child development from birth to five?
Sample Answer:
“Infants develop physical, social, and cognitive skills through exploration. Toddlers gain independence and communication skills. Preschool children refine language, social interaction, and problem-solving abilities. Each stage requires age-appropriate support and observation.”
12. How would you support children with special educational needs (SEN)?
Sample Answer:
“I adapt activities to their needs, use visual aids or assistive technology where needed, liaise with specialists, and ensure inclusion while monitoring progress carefully.”
13. How do you ensure health and safety in a nursery setting?
Sample Answer:
“Through risk assessments, safe equipment checks, hygiene practices, supervision, and following safeguarding policies.”
14. What strategies would you use to manage challenging behaviour in a group setting?
Sample Answer:
“I set clear expectations, offer positive reinforcement, redirect behaviour through engaging activities, and use calming techniques. I document incidents and communicate with colleagues and parents when necessary.”
15. How do you plan and evaluate learning activities?
Sample Answer:
“I observe children’s interests, set learning objectives, plan activities that meet developmental goals, and evaluate outcomes to adjust future planning.”
Behavioural Questions and STAR Examples
16. Describe a time you had to show patience with a difficult child.
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: A toddler was resisting naptime.
Task: I needed to calm them without disrupting others.
Action: I used a gentle approach, offered comfort, and created a calm environment.
Result: The child settled and rested, and the group routine continued smoothly.
17. Tell me about a time you received constructive feedback.
Sample Answer:
“I was advised to improve my activity planning documentation. I sought guidance, implemented the suggested changes, and received positive feedback in my next review.”
18. Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly?
Sample Answer:
“When an outdoor activity was rained off, I quickly moved children indoors, prepared alternative creative activities, and ensured they remained engaged and happy.”
19. Give an example of how you promoted teamwork in a nursery.
Sample Answer:
“I coordinated a group storytelling session, encouraging children to take turns and work together to develop the plot. This enhanced cooperation and communication skills.”
20. Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a child.
Sample Answer:
“I noticed a child struggling with social interaction, so I initiated small group games to build confidence. Over time, the child engaged more freely with peers.”
Ending Questions and Answers
21. What are your long-term career goals?
Sample Answer:
“I aim to continue developing my skills in early years education, eventually taking on a senior nursery practitioner or leadership role, while always prioritising children’s development and wellbeing.”
22. Do you have any questions for us?
Sample Answer:
“I’d love to know more about your nursery’s approach to outdoor learning and staff development opportunities.”
23. Why should we hire you?
Sample Answer:
“I combine practical childcare experience with strong interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for supporting children’s growth, making me an ideal fit for your team.”
24. How would you handle a stressful day in the nursery?
Sample Answer:
“I stay calm, prioritise tasks, seek support from colleagues when necessary, and ensure children remain safe and engaged despite challenges.”
25. What do you think makes an excellent Nursery Practitioner?
Sample Answer:
“Patience, creativity, observational skills, effective communication, and a genuine passion for nurturing children’s growth.”
General Interview Coaching Tips for Nursery Practitioner Candidates
Practice the STAR Method – Structure answers with Situation, Task, Action, Result for competency questions.
Do Research – Understand the nursery’s ethos, policies, and special programs.
Dress Appropriately – Professional but practical for a childcare environment.
Be Positive and Enthusiastic – Demonstrate passion for working with children.
Use Examples – Concrete examples make your answers credible.
Ask Questions – Shows interest and engagement.
Do’s: Be punctual, maintain eye contact, listen carefully, and show empathy.
Don’ts: Speak negatively about previous employers, interrupt, or give vague answers.
For additional support, candidates can explore professional interview training, work with an interview coach, access interview coaching online, or focus on tailored job interview preparation to refine answers and increase confidence.
With 25 years of experience in career coaching across the UK, I encourage you to view every interview as a learning opportunity. Preparation, self-belief, and practical examples will set you apart. For a personalised session, you can book a one-on-one interview coaching appointment and receive expert guidance to secure your dream role in childcare.
