I beg to differ. I've been in literally hundreds of schools and nurseries, and every single one is very different. Indeed my job involved sorting out schools failing or underperforming. I would not have dreamed of just walking into a school or nursery and saying do this or that. I needed time in each institution to watch what went on and discover what could be improved, and in almost every case that was unique to each setting. Again as an experienced interviewer, I would be looking to see if the candidate had that insight about the setting they were working in, and I'm pretty sure that is why the talk has been included. Indeed I've heard plenty, from teaching assistants to headteachers of secondary schools have to give that same talk.
I could give you pages of things to say, however without the context, none of them would be of any use at all. I presume she has had the opportunity to look round the place, or does she already work there?
Yes of course candidates ought to research and prepare. I am not saying she should know enough. I am simply saying that nobody without a detailed knowledge of that actual context could provide any pointers that would make a real difference at interview.
Thank you very much for all your answers I will pass them on.
Yes she works in the nursery currently as a part time team leader/supervisor. There are 4 team leaders who all work part time and they are cutting it down to 2 part time or 1 full time she is not sure of the ratio at the moment.
Since our friend got the job she has been very proactive and done lots of things in the nursery that has improved the nursery which she is going to say at the interview but all we were wondering was if there was something she might have missed notes that maybe would have her head and shoulders above the other candidates and they could not refuse to give her a position - even though we know she will probably get one.
Well thank you everyone for your help and suggestions I would like to say that she has been offered the job.
She was a part time team leader/supervisor who was up against another 3 part time team leaders, she was the newest team leader to join the team so she was worried they would go for experience, but after a fantastic interview they offered her a full time team leader post as she did a fantastic interview.