1. University of Wolverhampton
  2. Apply
  3. How to Apply
  4. After You Have Applied
  5. Selection Event Guidance
  6. Early Years Teaching Interviews

Early Years Teaching Interviews

Once you have applied for our Graduate Employment Based Route to Early Years Teacher Status and if you have been shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. 

Interview method: Interviews were held within your employing early years setting for 2026 entry.

Interview preparation- Important Information

Pre-interview tasks required:

    • Behaviour:

      Please read the article titled: ‘The Beginning Teacher’s Behaviour Toolkit’ written by Tom Bennett – find link below:

      https://tombennetttraining.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tom_Bennett_summary.pdf

      There will be questions asked about the specific proactive behaviour management strategies outlined in this article. Please note, you are allowed to make brief notes and bring them to the interview.

    • Safeguarding:

      Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility.  It is essential that everybody working in a school understands their safeguarding responsibilities; this includes being aware of the process you should follow if a child tells you they are being abused, exploited or neglected. You will be asked to discuss this.

    • Fundamental British Values:

      We would advise you to take time researching and becoming more familiar with the Fundamental British Values as part of the preparation for this interview as it will aid you with an independent task we will ask you to complete.

  • Have a form of identification (e.g. passport, driving licence etc.) ready to present on arrival.
  • Do you know enough about the course you have applied for? Research information about the course, and the Early Years curriculum and visit our postgraduate open evenings where you can come and speak to our staff and students www.wlv.ac.uk/opendays.

  • You will be observed within your employing early years setting sharing a story you have chosen with a group of children.
  • Following this, you will then have an interview which will last around 45 minutes and will be conducted by a member of the academic teaching staff. The interview may also include a member of our Strategic Partners Group.
  • At the start of the interview, you must show a form of picture ID as proof of who the interviewer is talking to. Acceptable documents include a passport, driving license ID badge, etc. (please note we do not accept copies).
  • During the interview, you will be asked some questions that will assess your readiness to train to teach. You will be required to answer a question about Safeguarding and Fundamental British Values.

After attending your interview, you will be notified on whether or not you’ve passed within 3-5 working days. If you are successful, your offer will be confirmed within 14 working days.

If you’re unable to attend your interview, you can decline your date/time via e:Vision up to 48 hours before your selection event and you must then log a helpdesk call to request a new date or withdrawal. If you’re unable to attend less than 48 hours before, please get in touch with Admissions via 01902 323505 as soon as possible. Find out more about responding to your invite here.

Please note if you fail to notify us that you’re unable to attend, your application will be rejected.

Contact us via e-mail - interviews@wlv.ac.uk

Contact us via phone - 01902 518803