Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Nursery Assistant – 2025

Are you ready for your next nursery assistant job interview? Here are some essential questions and answers to help you demonstrate your skills, experience, and passion for working with young children in a nurturing environment. Whether you're applying for a role in a traditional nursery, a Montessori school, or a daycare center, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your previous experience working as a nursery assistant.
  As a nursery assistant, I have worked in both traditional nurseries and Montessori schools for the past three years. In my most recent role, I was responsible for supervising and caring for children aged 2-4, planning and implementing daily activities, and communicating with parents about their child's progress. I also have experience working with children with special needs and completing basic administrative tasks.
• 2. Why do you want to work as a nursery assistant?
  I am passionate about working with children and helping them learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Being a nursery assistant allows me to combine my love for children with my creativity and organizational skills. I also find great satisfaction in seeing children develop and reach their milestones, and I am excited to be part of that journey.
• 3. How would you handle a conflict between two children in your care?
  If a conflict were to arise, I would first calmly intervene and ask both children to explain their side of the story. I would then encourage them to come up with a solution together, such as taking turns or finding a compromise. If necessary, I would involve a teacher or use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage peaceful behavior in the future.
• 4. How do you ensure the safety of children in your care?
  Safety is a top priority in a nursery setting. I make sure to always maintain a clean and hazard-free environment, regularly check that all equipment and toys are in good condition, and closely supervise the children at all times. In case of emergencies, I am trained in first aid and CPR and have experience following emergency protocols.
• 5. How do you handle a child who is having difficulty adjusting to the nursery?
  I understand that adjusting to a new environment can be challenging for children, especially younger ones. To help them feel more comfortable, I would first try to build a rapport with the child by engaging in activities they enjoy and giving lots of positive reinforcement. I would also communicate frequently with their parents and work with them to create a plan to ease the child's transition into the nursery.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult parent?
  In my previous job, I had a parent who was unhappy with the progress their child was making in our program. I scheduled a meeting with the parent to discuss their concerns and actively listened to their feedback. I then explained our teaching methods and suggested activities they could do at home to support their child's development. By the end of the meeting, the parent was satisfied and thanked me for addressing their concerns.
• 7. How do you handle stressful situations or a high-pressure work environment?
  I have developed strong time management and organizational skills which allow me to effectively multitask and prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment. I also practice self-care and make sure to take breaks and decompress when necessary. I understand the importance of remaining calm and focusing on finding solutions rather than getting overwhelmed by stress.
• 8. Tell us about a time when you had to adapt your teaching style to accommodate a child with special needs.
  I had a child with autism in my class who struggled with social interactions and communicating his needs. I collaborated with the special education team to develop a personalized learning plan that included visual aids and sensory activities. I also made sure to give this child extra one-on-one attention and support, and after a few weeks, I noticed significant improvements in his behavior and communication skills.
• 9. How do you handle challenging behaviors in a child?
  First, I try to understand the root of the behavior by observing the child and communicating with their parents. Then, I use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praising good behavior and redirecting negative behavior, to encourage more desirable actions. I also make sure to consistently enforce rules and consequences in a fair and compassionate manner.
• 10. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work as part of a team to solve a problem?
  In my previous job, we had a child with severe food allergies starting at our nursery. The entire team came together to develop a plan to prevent cross-contamination and to educate all staff members on how to handle emergency situations. We also worked closely with the child's parents to ensure their child's safety at all times. As a team, we were able to successfully implement this plan and provide a safe and inclusive environment for the child.

Technical Questions

• 11. Which age group do you have the most experience working with in a nursery setting?
  I have experience working with children from ages 6 months to 4 years. However, I have the most experience working with children aged 2-4, as this was the age range of the children in my most recent role.
• 12. What is your understanding of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum?
  The EYFS framework is a set of educational guidelines and standards for children from birth to 5 years in England. It focuses on seven key areas of learning and development, including communication and language, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional development. I am familiar with the EYFS principles and have experience planning and implementing activities that align with them.
• 13. How do you document and assess children's progress in a nursery setting?
  I have experience using a variety of assessment methods, including observation, work samples, and parent and teacher evaluations. I make sure to regularly document children's progress in all areas of development and use this information to create individualized learning plans and inform parents of their child's growth and achievements.
• 14. Can you give an example of a stimulating activity you would plan for a group of 2-year-olds?
  I would plan a theme-based activity, such as a nature walk or a trip to a local farm. For 2-year-olds, I would make sure to incorporate sensory elements and hands-on tasks, such as exploring different textures and colors, and simple counting or sorting activities. I would also allow for plenty of breaks and flexibility to accommodate their shorter attention spans.
• 15. How do you handle parent-teacher conferences?
  I believe in open and regular communication with parents to keep them informed and involved in their child's development. Before a conference, I make sure to gather and review all relevant information about the child's progress and areas for improvement. During the conference, I use positive and constructive language to discuss their child's progress and strengths, and work with the parents to create a plan for continued growth and development.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. What values do you believe are important in a nursery environment?
  I believe in creating a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing environment for children, where they feel safe and encouraged to explore and learn. I also value teamwork, effective communication, and consistently upholding high standards of care and education.
• 17. How do you handle cultural or religious differences among children and their families?
  I believe in celebrating and acknowledging diversity in all its forms. I make sure to educate myself on different cultures and religions and use inclusive language and practices in my teaching. I also encourage children to learn about and respect each other's cultures and beliefs.
• 18. What do you think is the biggest challenge in working as a nursery assistant, and how would you handle it?
  I believe the biggest challenge would be managing the care of multiple children with different needs and personalities while ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for all. To handle this, I would prioritize effective communication and organization, collaborate with my team, and use positive reinforcement techniques to manage challenging behaviors.
• 19. How do you see yourself contributing to our nursery's mission and values?
  I share your nursery's commitment to providing a high-quality, child-centered learning experience for all children. I believe my experience and passion for working with young children and my dedication to creating a positive and safe environment align with your mission and values.
• 20. How do you stay updated on best practices and advancements in early childhood education?
  I regularly attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions related to early childhood education. I also stay updated on the latest research and developments in the field and make sure to constantly reflect on my practices and make adjustments based on new information. I am also a member of professional organizations such as NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and regularly participate in online forums and networking events with other early childhood professionals.