We are pleased to invite you to interview for the PGCE Early Years with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) course at the University of Reading and we 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 carefully.
What do I need to do before my interview?
- Prepare a five-minute presentation on the following subject, which you will be asked to deliver during your interview: 'What do you believe are the three most important qualities of an Early Years Teacher?'
- 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 bring any documents to my interview?
Yes, please refer to the documents you will need to bring to your interview.
The interview process
The interview session will include a document check, an individual interview, and a written task.
Arrival, registration, and document check
The interview session will take place on the London Road campus at the University of Reading. A few days before the date of your interview, a member of staff from the Institute of Education will send you a follow-up email confirming the details of your interview session, including where you will need to go for registration when you arrive at London Road campus.
To ensure you receive your interview details, please check your junk or spam folder just in case our email is redirected there.
Again, please check the documents you will need to bring to your interview.
Individual interview
During your interview, you will be asked to deliver a five-minute presentation on the following subject, which you will need to prepare beforehand: 'What do you believe are the three most important qualities of an Early Years Teacher?'
You will also be asked a series of interview questions relating to the following topics:
- 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 from birth to five years old.
- 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 provided on the day of your interview. You will be given time to plan, and the following will be reviewed:
- legibility of your handwriting
- spelling, punctuation, and grammar
- your ability to plan and compose ideas in a written format.
Please let us know if any adjustments are needed for you to access the written task.
Who will interview me?
Your interview will be conducted by two tutors from the Institute of Education.
Questions?
Please email the Admissions Support team if you have any questions.
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 specific requirements will not affect the outcome of the interview or our decision on whether you are offered a place on the course.