We are pleased to invite you to interview for the PGCert Early Years Practice with Early Years Teacher Status course at the University of Reading and look forward to meeting you.
To enable you to perform to the best of your abilities, we aim to make the interview process as stress-free as possible. Please read all the information provided, very carefully.
What do I need to do before my interview?
- Familiarise yourself with the Teachers' Standards (Early Years).
- Be aware of the current issues facing the early years sector.
- Watch the Transforming Lives – the Institute of Education video.
Do I need to provide any documents at my interview?
Yes - please check the full list of documents you will need to bring to the interview.
What will happen on the day of my interview?
The format of the interview session will be as follows:
- Arrival
- Document check
- Short presentation, individual interviews and written task
Arrival
The interview session will take place on the London Road campus at the University of Reading. A member of staff from the Institute of Education will contact you via email, closer to the date of your interview, to provide further details on the location of your interview.
Short presentation
Please be prepared to deliver a 5-minute presentation at your interview on this subject:
'What are the three key qualities you believe are the most important for an Early Years Teacher to have?'
Individual Interview
The interview questions will focus on the following:
- Your motivations for becoming an Early Years Teacher.
- Your understanding of safeguarding.
- Your own values and ethics regarding working with babies and young children aged birth to five years.
- Your ability to reflect on and analyse your own experience in the context of your development as a trainee teacher.
- Your awareness of the Teachers' Standards (Early Years) and relevance to your own development.
There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions at the end of your interview.
Written task
The title for the written task will be given to you on the day of your interview. Please let us know if any adjustments are needed for you to access this task.
Who will interview me?
Your interview will be conducted by two tutors from the Institute of Education.
Questions?
We are looking forward to meeting you at your interview. In the meantime, if you have any questions or if you require any assistance in relation to your interview, please contact the Admissions Support team.
We are fully committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our admissions and interview processes. If you would like to request any specific requirements or adjustments around accessibility for your interview, please contact the Admissions Support team. Please rest assured that requesting reasonable adjustments or having special requirements will not affect the outcome of the interview or our decision on whether you are offered a place on the course.