Prepare for your Nursery Management Interview
Introduction
This guide is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and structure as you prepare for a Nursery Manager interview in the UK. It focuses on key areas: safeguarding, EYFS leadership, Ofsted readiness, and team management.
1. Leadership & Team Management
Be ready to discuss how you lead, support, and develop your team. Mention performance management, supervision cycles, and strategies for staff morale.
Common Questions:
- How would you describe your leadership style?
- How do you motivate and retain your team?
- Can you share a time you managed a performance issue?
- How do you structure supervisions and appraisals?
2. Safeguarding & Child Protection
As DSL, you must show strong safeguarding knowledge. Discuss procedures, case management, and training.
Common Questions:
- What are your DSL responsibilities?
- Describe a time you escalated a safeguarding concern.
- How do you ensure safeguarding is embedded across the setting?
3. EYFS Curriculum & Learning
You’ll be expected to lead high-quality EYFS provision. Be ready to discuss observation systems, progress tracking, SEN strategies, and how you support your team.
Common Questions:
- How do you ensure effective EYFS delivery?
- How do you monitor children’s development?
- What support do you give to children with SEN?
4. Ofsted & Quality Assurance
Demonstrate your inspection readiness, knowledge of the Education Inspection Framework (EIF), and quality improvement strategies.
Common Questions:
- What experience do you have with Ofsted inspections?
- What would inspectors see if they walked in today?
- How do you act on feedback from audits or reports?
5. Operational & Financial Management
Show your skills in managing budgets, ratios, rotas, and parent communications. Discuss handling complaints professionally.
Common Questions:
- How do you manage staff ratios and rotas?
- What’s your experience with budgeting?
- How have you resolved a parent complaint?
6. Scenario-Based Questions
- A parent accuses a staff member of mistreatment—what do you do?
- A staff member is overwhelmed and thinking of leaving—how do you help?
- Ofsted calls and arrives tomorrow—how do you prepare?
- Staff engagement is low—what do you change?
Answering Questions with STAR
Structure answers using: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Example: A new staff member was struggling. I mentored them weekly and reviewed their workload. Within six weeks, they improved significantly and took on new responsibilities.
Final Interview Checklist
- Research nursery’s ethos and latest Ofsted
- Prepare real examples using STAR
- Dress appropriately and be punctual
- Bring CV, certificates, and ID
- Follow up with a thank-you email
Questions to Ask the Employer
- What are your development pathways for staff?
- How do you support staff wellbeing?
- What’s your current Ofsted grade?
- What’s your vision for the next 12 months?
Final Words
You've got the experience. Let this guide sharpen your focus and help you walk into your interview with confidence. You've got this!
