2 Babysitter Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

Parents hiring a nanny expect purposeful play that supports development. In the UK, familiarity with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) goals and practical activity planning shows you can deliver structured, developmentally appropriate care that aligns with educational standards.

How to answer

• Begin by naming the child’s age and current developmental milestones you’d target (speech, fine motor, social interaction).
• Outline a simple weekly schedule showing variety: indoor/outdoor, free play and focused activities, quiet times and routines for meals and naps.
• Give specific, practical activity examples (e.g. sensory tray, mark-making with crayons, simple role-play, building towers, story time with open questions) and explain how each maps to EYFS areas like communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development.
• Explain how you would differentiate activities to the child’s individual needs and how you would assess progress informally (observations, photos, short notes) and feedback to parents.
• Mention safety, resources you’d use, and how you’d incorporate routines (toilet training, healthy meals) and transitions.
• Reference any formal qualifications or training (e.g. CACHE, Level 3 childcare, paediatric first aid) and DBS checks to reinforce professionalism.

What not to say

• Listing only generic play ideas without linking them to developmental outcomes.
• Saying you rely entirely on screens/tablets for activities.
• Neglecting to mention assessment, communication with parents or safety considerations.
• Claiming rigid schedules without room for child-led play or flexibility.

Example answer

“For a two-year-old I’d create a balanced week with morning circle time (songs and picture books to boost language), mid-morning focused activities (playdough for fine motor skills and cutting with safety scissors for older toddlers), outdoor play three times a week (balance, gross motor and social games at the park), creative afternoons (simple crafts to encourage mark-making) and daily role-play sessions to encourage sharing and turn-taking. Each activity links to EYFS goals—communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. I’d observe and record short notes or photos after activities to track progress and discuss these weekly with parents, adjusting activities based on their child’s interests and any professional advice (e.g. speech therapist). I hold Level 3 childcare training, a valid DBS, and paediatric first aid, and I always ensure materials are age-appropriate and safe.”

Introduction

Nannies work closely with families and must negotiate expectations, set professional boundaries, and create consistent routines that benefit the child. This question evaluates professionalism, communication, conflict resolution and your ability to build trust with parents in the UK setting.

How to answer

• Describe your process for initial discussions: asking about family values, routines, rules, medical info and any cultural or religious considerations.
• Explain how you document agreements (written schedule, handover notes, emergency contacts, permissions) and confirm important checks (DBS, references, immunisation awareness).
• Give examples of how you respectfully raise concerns or request changes (using evidence from observations, offering alternatives, scheduling a calm conversation).
• Outline how you maintain professional boundaries (working hours, confidentiality, handling gifts/social media) and how you stay flexible (adapting to changed work patterns, emergencies or parental styles).
• Mention regular review points (weekly check-ins, monthly reviews) to ensure alignment and continuous improvement.

What not to say

• Saying you simply follow whatever parents say without asking questions or offering professional input.
• Claiming to be inflexible or unwilling to adapt to family routines.
• Admitting to poor record-keeping or inconsistent communication.
• Disclosing personal opinions that could be perceived as judgemental about parenting choices.

Example answer

“I start with a detailed onboarding meeting to learn the family’s routines, disciplinary approach, dietary rules, and any cultural practices. I provide a written overview of the daily schedule and emergency procedures, and I agree how we’ll communicate (daily handover notes and a weekly call). If I notice an issue—say the child is resisting naps—I present observations, suggest small trial changes (earlier quiet time, consistent pre-nap routine) and ask for the parents’ input before implementing. I keep professional boundaries by agreeing working hours and confidentiality upfront, and I’m flexible where needed—covering occasional extra hours with notice. I propose a monthly review to check what’s working. I also ensure I have a valid DBS check, references and paediatric first aid to reassure parents.”