What questions are asked in a nursery teacher interview?
Common nursery teacher interview questions include: Why do you want to teach young children? How would you settle a crying child? How do you teach phonics or numbers through play? How would you handle a child who hits others? How do you communicate with parents? What would you do if you suspected a child was being harmed? Many schools also ask for a demo lesson, rhyme or story.
What this means in practice
Interviewers want to see warmth, practical ideas, safety awareness and good communication. Concrete examples from your training or volunteering make your answers convincing.
Questions to prepare
- Tell us about yourself
- What is play-based learning?
- Plan a 10-minute activity on a theme (e.g. fruits)
- How do you manage transitions?
- How do you assess a 4-year-old's progress?
- How do you include a child who does not speak English yet?
- What would you do in a medical emergency?
- How do you handle a complaint from a parent?
The demo lesson
Keep it short, interactive and age-appropriate: a rhyme with actions, a picture story with questions, or a hands-on counting game. Smile, use names, kneel to children's level and finish with a calm close.
Sample answer: settling a crying child
"I would greet the child and parent warmly, ask the parent to say a short, confident goodbye and tell the child when they will return. I'd stay close, offer a calm activity like water play, acknowledge their feelings and keep the routine predictable. I'd send the parent a quick update once the child settles."
Practical next steps
- Prepare examples for each question.
- Rehearse a demo lesson aloud.
- Prepare questions for the school.
- Dress neatly and comfortably.
What to keep in mind
For safeguarding questions, always say you would follow the school's policy and report to the designated person.
Common follow-up questions
How long should a demo class be?
Usually 10 to 15 minutes; ask the school.
What should I wear?
Neat, modest clothing you can move in and sit on the floor in.
Sources
- NAEYC: Developmentally appropriate practice
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (POCSO)
Course facts come from APTTI's published course pages. Examples use made-up names. How these answers are prepared.