A bit about applicant's background - growing up, sisters/brothers, children/nieces/nephews, personal interests/hobbies
Previous work experience/talk through CV - what did these positions involve on a day to day basis?
Experience with children the ages of your child
Can they cook (if expected to)? What would be a typical day's meal plan for an X year old?
Expectations in terms of housework/laundry relevant to children (changing beds, washing, ironing, tidying, cleaning children's spaces and public spaces used by children - e.g. kitchen, emptying dishwasher or washing up). Ask first and confirm what you expect to be done.
Can you: make up baby's bottle, feed a baby, change a baby, bath a baby?
Any experience weaning if relevant?
What would they do with preschooler on a sunny day/rainy day?
How well do they know the area/local activities?
Can they read a story to your child in English? (follow up interview get them to read to child)
What would they do if child needed disciplining - choose a relevant scenario to your child.
Do they have up to date first aid certificate? What would they do in x situation? What do they see as dangers in and outside the home?
Do they drive? Can they fit a car seat correctly (perhaps for follow up interview, I would get them to show you)
Check paperwork required based on their nationality - be aware of what they will need if Romanian/Bulgarian for example and check they have it, otherwise no point in pursuing.
OFSTED registration for childcare vouchers - if they do not have, have they achieved level 2 NVQ in childcare which is baseline for voluntary register? How can you work towards this if you like applicant?
Enhanced CRB check - note this is part of OFSTED reg requirements.
Childcare vouchers - who registered with
Other interviews at the moment
Salary expectations (always negotiable)