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?

Do I need to provide any documents at my interview?

At the start of your interview, you will be required to hold up a piece of photographic identification (ID) to the camera so your identity can be verified. Examples of acceptable photographic ID include a passport, driving licence photocard (full or provisional), or an ID card. Please have one of these ready to show at the start of your interview.

The interview process

The interview process will include an individual interview and a written task. You will need to complete and return the written task before you attend your online interview.

A few days before the date of your interview, a member of staff from the Institute of Education will send you follow-up emails confirming the following details:

  • The start time of your interview and a link to join your interview at the designated time using Microsoft Teams.
  • Instructions on how to complete and return the written task.

To ensure you receive your interview details, please check your junk or spam folder just in case our emails are redirected there.

You should be able to join a Teams meeting without a Microsoft Teams account. If you wish to join the meeting using a web browser, we recommend that you use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for the best experience.

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 sent to you via email a few days before the date of your interview. You will need to complete and submit your written task before you attend your online interview. Further instructions will be provided via email.

The following elements will be reviewed in relation to the written task:

  • 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.