When attending an EYFS teaching assistant interview, you will be asked a range of different questions to assess your suitability for the role.
The actual questions will vary, but most of the EYFS Teaching Assistant interview questions you face will fall under three key themes;
- Your suitability for the role
- Your experience working with children
- Your understanding of the EYFS framework
7 Interview Questions for EYFS Teaching Assistant (with Answers)
Here are some commonly asked EYFS teaching assistant interview questions and answers to help you prepare.
1. What do you know about the EYFS Framework?
Sample Answer: The EYFS Framework (Early Years Foundation Stage) is a set of guidelines that outline the educational requirements for children from birth to age five in England. The framework covers areas such as early learning goals, development matters, and welfare requirements.
From my understanding, the framework is not a curriculum, but rather a set of standards that schools and childcare settings must meet in order to provide a high-quality educational experience for young children.
The EYFS Framework emphasises that every child is unique and learns best when they are allowed to play, explore, and be active. It also emphasises the importance of positive relationships between adults and children, as well as the role of parents and carers in supporting their child’s learning and development.
2. Why do you want to work as an EYFS Teaching Assistant?
Sample Answer: I’ve always been interested in working with young children and supporting their development. When I learned about the EYFS Framework and its focus on play-based learning and individualized support, I knew instantly that this was the type of setting I wanted to work in.
I think the role would suit me perfectly because I’m a very creative and imaginative person. I could use these two skills to help plan engaging activities for everyone in the classroom.
3. What experience do you have working with young children?
Sample Answer: I’ve been working as a babysitter for families in my neighbourhood since I was 17 years old, so I have a lot of experience taking care of young children.
Last summer I volunteered at a day camp for young children between 3-5 years old. I was responsible for leading a small group of children in various activities throughout the day. This included arts and crafts, sports and games, and story time.
I really enjoyed working with the children and seeing them have fun while learning new things.
4. What do you think are the most important qualities of an EYFS Teaching Assistant?
Sample Answer: In my opinion, some of the most important qualities for an EYFS Teaching Assistant are creativity, patience, and adaptability.
Since the EYFS Framework focuses on a play-based approach to learning, it’s important for teaching assistants to be able to think outside the box and come up with fun and imaginative activities that will capture the interest of children.
It’s also important to be patient, as young children can sometimes have short attention spans or need a little extra help understanding new things.
I do also believe that it’s very important to be adaptable because no two days in an early years setting are ever the same. Teaching assistants need to be able to go with the flow and adapt their plans accordingly.
5. What do you think is the most challenging part of working as an EYFS Teaching Assistant?
Sample Answer: I think the most challenging part of working as an EYFS Teaching Assistant is managing the different needs of each individual child.
Since every child is unique, they all learn and develop at their own pace. This can sometimes make it challenging to differentiate instruction and provide each child with the support they need.
However, I think this is also one of the most rewarding aspects of the job, as it’s incredibly fulfilling to see a child make progress and reach their potential.
6. What do you think are the best things about working as an EYFS Teaching Assistant?
Sample Answer: In my opinion, some of the best things about working as an EYFS Teaching Assistant are being able to witness children’s progress and seeing the joy that comes from their accomplishments.
I also love how working in an early years setting is always so lively and fun. There’s never a dull moment!
7. What do you think are the most important things that children learn in the Early Years?
Sample Answer: I think some of the most important things that children learn in the early years are social skills, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.
The early years are a crucial time for developing social skills, as this is when children learn how to interact with others and share. It’s also important for children to learn how to regulate their emotions during this time, as they begin to understand and cope with more complex feelings.
Also, self-confidence is key in the early years, as it helps children feel comfortable exploring their world and trying new things.
See Also: 14 Interview Questions for Nursery Assistant (With Answers)
How to explain the EYFS in an interview?
When you are asked about the EYFS in an interview, it is important to be able to explain what it is and how it works.
The EYFS is a framework that sets out the learning, development and care requirements for all early years providers in England. It is designed to help every child reach their full potential and to give them the best possible start in life.
The EYFS is based on the belief that all children are unique and that they learn best when they are given the opportunity to explore, play and be active.
It also recognises that every child develops at their own pace and that some children may need extra support to reach their full potential. The EYFS is therefore flexible and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each child
In order to deliver the EYFS, early years providers must follow a set of statutory requirements. These include having a qualified and experienced team, providing a safe and stimulating environment, and offering a broad and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of all children.
If you are asked about the EYFS in an interview, it is important to be able to explain what these requirements are and how you would meet them. Read more about EYFS here.
EYFS Teaching Assistant Job Description and Responsibilities
As an EYFS Teaching Assistant, you will be responsible for assisting the class teacher in the planning and delivering of a high-quality, stimulating and effective learning environment that meets the needs of all children in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
You will also be expected to work collaboratively with other professionals to support children’s overall development.
Some common EYFS Teaching Assistant responsibilities and duties include:
- Assisting the class teacher with the organisation and running of the classroom.
- Helping to create a stimulating and safe learning environment for the children.
- Supporting children in their individual learning.
- Assisting with reading, writing, and other tasks as needed.
- Helping to keep records of children’s progress.
- Liaising with parents/carers as needed.
- Attending staff meetings and training sessions as required.
- Undertaking any other duties as may reasonably be requested by the class teacher or school management.
See Also: Teaching Assistant Courses Online
Wrapping up
As an aspiring EYFS teaching assistant, it is important to be well-prepared for your interview. The questions above should give you a good idea of what EYFS teaching assistant interview questions to expect and how to answer them.
Lastly, relax and be yourself – the interviewer wants to get to know the real you so they can see if you would be a good fit for their team. We wish you all the best in your upcoming interview!
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