Teaching Assistant Interview, advice appreciated

[bearleftmonkeyright]

I have an interview tomorrow for a position as a general TA working at a middle school with Key Stage 2 pupils. I would appreciate any advice. I have been working as a TA 1 to 1 with a year 2 pupil with AEN funding which is coming to an end on Friday. II have been doing this job for 9 months, prior to this I was a midday and volunteering with KS2 pupils whilst completing my Level 3. This has been my route back to work since being a SAHP.

I am anticipating being asked questions about safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This is one of my key strengths and have experience of this as a TA and a Midday Supervisor. Could anyone give me any further advice? I feel as though my weaknesses are not enough knowledge about the curriculum and not feeling confident enough to take my own initiative. I always seek advice about anything I am unsure about as I want to be doing exactly what the teacher wants. Is this the correct attitude to have? I am always full of self doubt and want to appear confident and in control! All comments will be much appreciated.

[PotatoesNotProzac]

I didn't get asked about my weaknesses or about my knowledge of the curriculum.

One thing that threw me was they ask everyone the same questions, so they don't look at your CV and ask you questions about that.

So what I did was write down all my positive points I wanted to get across, and take them in to the interview. Then I made sure I got them into my answer (regardless of the question :) )

But the first question will probably be something like 'Why are you suitable for the job' and that's where you need to put in all your positive points.

[DelphiniumBlue]

Make sure you refer to the appropriate school policy in all your answers - eg behaviour policy, marking policy etc.
You are likely to be given a maths test and a short writing test, just to check that you are numerate and literate. I have attended interviews where I have been asked to teach a small intervention group, or read a story to a class - you would normally be told in advance if this was required. I have been asked about my strengths, and there is always a safeguarding question.

[bearleftmonkeyright]

Writing down all my positive points now and thinking of ways to include them in every question! Thanks for your post Potatoes, will let you know how I get on

[bearleftmonkeyright]

Hi Delphinium, it doesn't say on the letter about teaching an intervention group. Maybe if there is a second interview. I am currently at the First School which feeds into the Middle School so maybe the head has given them enough information, I don't know. I have listed my strengths, lots of things about being flexible in my approach and ensuring I have high expectations of the children, so that they are happy, confident learners.

I am expecting the safeguarding questions to be about what I would do if I had concerns or if a child disclosed something to me. I have done a Child Protection course so I am hoping that will cover it. I have just read the policy.

[Singleandproud]

I had a secondary TA interview today, the questions were pretty easy:

1. What can I bring to the role?
   
2. Have I ever helped a disadvantaged child and how?
   
3. Have I ever had to work with a group of children who were disengaged and how did I get them involved?
   
4. What did I think made an Outstanding TA?
   
5. What would I do if a student disclosed something to me?
   
   There were probably a couple more but those are the ones I can remember.

[Singleandproud]

Ahhh ignore the above I see your interview was yesterday...I hope it went well.

[bearleftmonkeyright]

Hi! Thanks for comment. I didn't get it but the head rang me back and went over where I could've given a stronger answer. All in all it was a useful experience and my first interview in ages.