Working as an Early Years Teacher at Busy Bees Childcare Centres is more than just a job; it’s a vital role that shapes the future of children during their formative years. Early Years Teachers are responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing high-quality educational experiences for children from birth to five years old. This role demands a combination of patience, creativity, and professionalism to create a nurturing environment that fosters learning, social development, and emotional well-being.
Busy Bees values qualified and passionate Early Years Teachers who are committed to delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, ensuring every child receives a safe, stimulating, and inclusive experience. The salary for an Early Years Teacher at Busy Bees typically ranges from £24,000 to £30,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience, with opportunities for progression and professional development.
Securing a role at Busy Bees requires not only relevant qualifications and experience but also a strong ability to articulate your skills during the interview process. This guide will take you through 25 common interview questions and answers to help you succeed, using examples and strategies such as the STAR model, competency-based answers, and best practices for interview etiquette.
Sample Opening Questions and Answers
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
This is often the first question in interviews and is designed to ease you into the conversation. Keep your answer professional, concise, and relevant to early years teaching.
Answer Example:
“I’ve been working in early years education for over five years, supporting children aged 0–5 in both nursery and preschool settings. I’m passionate about fostering creative and inclusive learning environments and have experience implementing the EYFS curriculum, observing children’s development, and working closely with families to support each child’s unique needs.”
2. Why do you want to work at Busy Bees?
Focus on the company’s values and reputation.
Answer Example:
“I admire Busy Bees for its commitment to providing high-quality childcare and education, as well as its focus on staff development. I want to contribute my skills to a setting that values both children and educators, ensuring every child reaches their full potential.”
Competency Questions and Answers
Competency questions assess how you have demonstrated specific skills in previous roles. Using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is highly effective here.
3. Describe a time you had to manage challenging behaviour.
Answer Example (STAR):
Situation: In my previous role, a three-year-old frequently disrupted group activities.
Task: I needed to encourage positive behaviour without isolating the child.
Action: I implemented a reward chart system and provided one-on-one attention, praising positive interactions.
Result: Within a few weeks, the child participated more actively and fewer disruptions occurred, showing improved social skills.
4. How do you plan activities for different learning abilities?
Answer Example:
“I assess each child’s developmental stage through observation and planning tools. For instance, I design activities that can be adapted, such as sensory play for younger children and problem-solving games for older toddlers, ensuring inclusivity and engagement for all learners.”
5. Can you provide an example of working as part of a team?
Answer Example (STAR):
Situation: Our team needed to prepare a Christmas performance for parents.
Task: My role was to organise a small group of children while coordinating with colleagues.
Action: I communicated effectively, delegated responsibilities, and ensured rehearsals ran smoothly.
Result: The performance was a success, praised by both parents and management.
6. How do you assess children’s progress?
Answer Example:
“I use a combination of observation, documentation, and learning journals to track each child’s milestones. This allows me to adjust my teaching strategies to support individual development effectively.”
7. Describe a time you had to communicate with a challenging parent.
Answer Example (STAR):
Situation: A parent was concerned about their child’s reluctance to participate in group activities.
Task: I needed to reassure them and address the concern.
Action: I scheduled a meeting, shared observations, and suggested small home activities to support engagement.
Result: The parent felt informed and involved, and the child gradually became more confident in group settings.
8. How do you handle a high-pressure day with multiple tasks?
Answer Example:
“I prioritise tasks based on urgency and impact. I maintain a calm, organised approach, using checklists and teamwork to ensure each child’s needs are met without compromising safety or quality of care.”
9. How do you incorporate diversity in your classroom?
Answer Example:
“I celebrate cultural differences through stories, music, and activities that reflect a variety of backgrounds. I ensure all children feel valued and represented, fostering empathy and understanding from an early age.”
10. Can you describe a successful learning activity you implemented?
Answer Example:
“I introduced a nature scavenger hunt to teach counting and observation skills. Children were highly engaged, and their feedback indicated enjoyment and understanding of key concepts, while I observed improvement in social interaction and teamwork.”
Behavioural Questions Using the STAR Model
11. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a child.
Answer Example (STAR):
Situation: A child was struggling with fine motor skills.
Task: I needed to support their development outside group activities.
Action: I designed weekly targeted exercises using play dough and arts activities.
Result: Within six weeks, the child’s dexterity improved significantly, and they gained confidence in classroom tasks.
12. Describe a time you adapted your teaching style.
Answer Example:
“I noticed a child learned better through visual cues. I incorporated more visual aids and hands-on learning, resulting in improved participation and comprehension.”
13. How do you handle conflict between children?
Answer Example:
“I intervene calmly, encouraging children to express their feelings and find solutions. I guide them through conflict resolution strategies appropriate for their age, fostering empathy and communication.”
14. Can you give an example of using observation to improve learning outcomes?
Answer Example:
“During play, I observed a child struggling with number recognition. I introduced a series of interactive counting games, which helped the child improve and enjoy learning.”
15. Describe a time you implemented feedback from a supervisor.
Answer Example:
“My manager suggested incorporating more outdoor activities to support physical development. I created a weekly outdoor learning schedule, which was later praised for engaging children in active play.”
Ending Questions and Answers
16. Why should we hire you?
Answer Example:
“I bring a strong passion for early years education, hands-on experience with the EYFS curriculum, and a track record of fostering inclusive, creative learning environments. I am committed to helping every child succeed.”
17. What are your career goals?
Answer Example:
“I aim to further develop my expertise in early years education, potentially pursuing leadership opportunities while continuing to deliver high-quality learning experiences.”
18. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer Example:
“Yes, I’d love to hear more about the professional development opportunities available for Early Years Teachers at Busy Bees and how staff are supported in continuing their learning.”
Do’s and Don’ts for Busy Bees Interviews
Do:
Arrive early and dress professionally.
Be enthusiastic and show passion for working with children.
Use the STAR model to structure answers for competency questions.
Research Busy Bees’ values, mission, and childcare approach.
Provide clear examples demonstrating your skills and experience.
Maintain a positive, confident tone throughout the interview.
Don’t:
Speak negatively about past employers or colleagues.
Provide vague answers without examples.
Interrupt the interviewer or appear disengaged.
Focus only on salary or benefits.
Overcomplicate your responses – clarity is key.
25. Final Tip: Using Interview Training to Excel
Preparing for your Busy Bees Early Years Teacher interview requires practice, confidence, and a structured approach. Using professional interview training, working with an interview coach, or engaging in interview coaching online can significantly enhance your performance. Regular job interview preparation ensures you can confidently answer competency, behavioural, and scenario-based questions, while personalised interview coaching provides tips tailored to your strengths and areas for improvement.
Remember, every interview is an opportunity to showcase your dedication, skills, and passion for early years education. With careful preparation, reflective practice, and guidance from an experienced career coach, you can approach your Busy Bees interview with confidence, positivity, and professionalism.
Book an appointment with a career expert today for tailored interview coaching and take the next step toward securing your dream role at Busy Bees.
