Applying for my fist post as a Teaching Assistant.

[leander]

I have just applied for this post and will hopefully be getting an interview, so was wondering what questions i should ask, i am so nervous about it. I visited the school yesterday and was shown around by the head, my ds attended the nursery in said school but left to go to another primary when he started reception. the head asked me why i removed him and i mumbled something about as he is catholic we wanted him taught with a catholic ethos,couldn't exactly say that it is a low achieving school and we wanted better for our child could i . Sorry rambling now its the nerves, so back to the point what should i ask them if i get an interview?

[luciemule]

Do you mean what should you ask them about the job or the school?

I assume it said a job spec on the application, if not, you could ask what age children would be working with, what activities is to help with (specific one to one, all activities, will you help in other classes or just the one perhaps?)
Perhaps if you have a speciality, like music, you could tell them that and they might incluse you to hekp with music lessons for example.

[leander]

The job spec was really basic, so i asked most of those questions yesterday,
I dont know what i am asking really its just that i haven't been to a job interview for years and just dont know what to expect.

[luciemule]

They'll ask you the questions mostly - and I should think they'll ask you at the end if you have any further questions.

Have perhaps just one at the ready.

I guess they might ask you why you want to work with children, have you worked with children before and maybe what you think you can bring to the job (good at listening, non judgemental, calm approach to helping the children, knowing when to be firm if necessary etc).

[luciemule]

one more point - my friend who teaches said for her, one of the most useful things when it comes to her TAs is that they listen to her instructions (that she's giving the children) so that the TA then knows what she's supposed to be doing.

She said often, she has to repeat the tasks a lot as TAs haven't heard details about the lesson.

[leander]

thanks luciemule.

[luciemule]

Sorry - I'm back again-I guess they could ask you general questions about Education but I'm not sure but have you looked at the TDA website and TES websites?

They're really good and have loads of info for TA's, including a forum on the tes.co.uk website for TAs.

[Maidamess]

Ask if you would be working with one child with perhaps SEN or with the class as a whole. Ask if you would receive training ( I have just started as a TA and wish I had asked this!)

[wheresthehamster]

Is there any training you will be getting?
Are you included in staff training on Inset days?
Are you expected to cover lunchtime duty if they are short?
How early do they like the TAs in in the morning? (Remember you can't just walk in at (9.00am even though that may be your official start time )

Also they may ask questions about what you would you do in certain situations e.g. bundle in the playground, how you would encourage reluctant readers, if you was told something in confidence by a child.

Good luck!!