At Lilliput Farm Powered by Welcome Nurseries, we are passionate about the high quality of childcare that our staff provide

To do that we need high calibre staff who are both passionate and proud of the special work that they do, looking after the children in our care. We are always on the lookout for professional people who enjoy working as part of a team in delivering a top class service.

Preparation

I am Interested in working with you, what do I do next?

Apply online. Once we have received your application form, you will be contacted by the nursery either by phone or e-mail to arrange a short telephone discussion. This will give us the opportunity to find out a little more about you before we discuss and arrange a potential interview at the nursery.

What qualifications are you looking for?

To be able to apply for a qualified staff position with Lilliput Farm, you are required to have a minimum of Level 3 in Childcare and Early Years. However, we are always on the lookout for talented staff who want to progress their career in childcare, so whether you are new to looking after children or have an Level 2, get in touch and we might have the right role for you!

I have no experience but I want to start a career in Childcare, can I apply?

Of course. Not only do we love developing the children in our care, we also do the same for our staff. Perhaps you might be interested in joining our Apprenticeship Scheme. This is a great way to gain experience and a recognised qualification at the same time. Alternatively we have many ‘un-qualified’ positions at our nurseries. Check out our current vacancies page.

I can not see a role I am looking for

If you can’t find a role that you are interested in, have a go at ‘registering your interest’. We can then contact you as and when suitable roles appear in your local area.

I have applied before, can I apply again?

Yes, of course, if you haven’t been successful for a position in the past, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be successful this time. We keep your CV on file, for a period of six months, following an application and we will contact you.

Interview

What are 'competency questions'?

As the name suggests, this interview type is meant to test exactly that: your competence. So, whilst your previous experiences and qualifications are important to us, what we really want to find out from you during your interview is whether you have the right skills to take the position on. You will be asked to give examples of different situations such as working in a team, dealing with difficult behaviour or role modelling best practice. A typical question will start something like ‘Give me an example of when you have….’ Or, ‘Describe a time when you have had to… ‘. You will need to give a specific example for each question, showing that you have the right knowledge, experience and skills to meet the requirements of the role.

Don’t worry if you don’t have lots of work experience yet, there are lots of ways that you can demonstrate these skills. This includes your experience at College or school, being part of other clubs, organisations or sport-teams, or experience you’ve had with children through babysitting etc. Just think about all of the things that you have achieved to date and pick out the best examples.

Can I ask questions during the interview?

Yes! This is your opportunity to ask as many questions as you need to, so you can understand what it is like to work at Lilliput Farm. Don’t forget that the interview is just as much about you finding out about what it is like to work with us, as it is for us to find out about you.Check out our current vacancies page.

Is there anything else that happens during an interview?

You’ll be asked to complete a short assessment paper, this is to assess your verbal reasoning and a short reading and written questions on your understanding of a few childcare policies, plus a play session in one of our play rooms.

What happens at the interview?

Initially there will be a telephone interview to give the Management Team the opportunity to get to know you. If you are successful, we will call you for an interview with the Nursery Manager and possibly the Deputy or Team Leader. Interviews normally take about an hour. You’ll be asked ‘competency based questions’ about your skills and experience. Not many people like to be interviewed but try not to worry! This is a two way process for you to discover if Lilliput Farm is right for you as much as it is for us to establish if you are suitable for a role with us.

Why do I need to complete a written assessment?

As part of the Early Years provision, we complete care plans and development records for all of our children. These records and books follow the children as they grow and develop and provide a record for parents and carers to identify progression. It is a part of the role that all of our staff can complete the books and records to a high standard, therefore we need to be confident that there is a sufficient level of understanding of both written and verbal communication to ensure the safe care of our children at all times.

What should I wear to my interview?

First impressions count. As you’ll be working in a nursery, your clothing will need to be both smart, clean and practical as well as comfortable. We appreciate that you may be on your to or from work and could be in uniform. That is fine. We know that it may not be convenient to get home and change before you arrive. and records to a high standard, therefore we need to be confident that there is a sufficient level of understanding of both written and verbal communication to ensure the safe care of our children at all times.

I have been invited to a 'Practical assesment', what is this for?

At some point during your visit you’ll be invited to do a Practical Assessment. This is an opportunity for you to send some time in the nursery job shadowing to get to know the role and also the team. It also gives us the chance to see how you interact with the children and the rest of the staff.

Do I need to bring anything with me to the interview?

You’ll need to bring the following information with you to the interview:

– Two forms of identification and a recent utility bill/council tax bill with your name and address noted.

– A document which gives you the right to work in the UK, e.g. passport or visa, National Insurance Number or full birth certificate.

– Proof of qualifications, if applicable for the role.

What happens next?

We will always try and get back to you as soon as possible following your interview. Depending on how many candidates apply and are being interviewed, this could be a week or two. If you are not successful, we will be happy to give you feedback on your interview and give you some tips on areas you can work on for the future.

If you are successful, we’ll discuss with you a provisional start date which will then be confirmed in your contract.

How long will the interview last?

You should allow between 2-3 hours for the interview process to be completed.

DBS

When do you get references and start the DBS process?

Once we have verbally offered to you we will then approach your referees. We will also start the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.

I have an unspent criminal conviction, does this mean I won't be able to apply for a job at Little Footprints?

Not necessarily, it depends on the conviction and whether or not we feel it impacts on your suitability to work with the children in our care.

An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) is required for all roles if you are successful at interview which will show all cautions and convictions, even if they are spent. We therefore ask that you are open and honest with us on your application and at interview and tell us about any historical convictions or cautions, including motor convictions.

Don’t forget to have a look at our website form more information about our company and the nursery you are interested in working at.