Interview in an SEN school

[ScrambledToe]

Hi, I’ve posted this in staffroom bit no response over a few days, so adding here.

I’ve just finished my teacher training and have an interview for an SEN school soon, specifically those with behavioural issues.

I’ve worked with students with SEN in mainstream schools, but never full time. I have no formal/recognised training but this is given over time.

I have an interview and they have mentioned that they will be assessing safeguarding.
Also I will be supporting a lesson for half an hour and will be doing a written test.

Any idea what I should expect from these three elements of the process? Thanks!

Experiences of working in this setting would be most appreciated to hear too!

The safeguarding in my school was just lots of questions on what I would do in situations. They also asked what safeguarding is and have I had any experience in it. I work in a sen school and we do a lot of safeguarding. I don’t think a week has gone by in 5 years that I haven’t had to do a cause of concern.

The teaching the lesson part should be okay. In our school we have very small classes - max of 7 students and at least 3 TAs. It’s nothing like mainstream. Because of the amount of time children have had off school (due to lots of reasons) everyone is at a different level. You will need a core of steel. The language is shocking to start with and the physical violence is high where I work.

It can be nerve wracking and think carefully if you will be able to do it. Please don’t take that as me patronising you. I’ve just handed my notice in. I have spent 5 years running on adrenaline waiting for the next one to kick off. I’m a secondary teacher so if you are primary it might be completely different. On the other hand it is a lot easier than mainstream. I work 8-5 and have no work to do at home. The children aren’t given homework and I hardly have to do any marking.

When I got my job I didn’t have a test so I can’t help you on that sorry.

I teach mainstream but some aspects will be similar.

Safeguarding: they will ask you what you would do if a child disclosed something to you ie abuse. You have to refer the info STRAIGHT AWAY (not after school) to the designated safeguarding lead. You don't promise to keep any secrets for the child.

Lesson wise, you'll be given a topic and a bit of info about the age and ability of the kids. You need to plan a lesson which includes differentiation for them. I find group work and discussion best in these awkward situations. Ask about any T A support and politely direct them in the lesson: 'Please could you work with Johnny and write down his answers here. Johnny, you need to tell Miss your ideas'.
If the interview is after the lesson they will expect you to reflect on what went well/badly/how you could adapt the lesson for different pupils.

No idea about a written test! Make sure you check your spelling and grammar!

REALLY read up on Safeguarding.. virtually all schools have the same processes, and you just need to be able to state what you'd do if a child disclosed something, or, just as importantly you thought something was amiss within school itself.. these are very vulnerable kids.
Usually when we have interviewees in (classes of 7-9 kids usually 3 TAs) the thing that catches them is the massive range of abilities... regardless of age. Unless it is specifically an EBD school (which may have higher ability ranges) there may be children in a single class who range from non verbal , at lower than preschool ability to those who can tell you the constellations of the stars!

If it's a 'hold attention for half an hour and do related activities' ..and esp at primary level, I'd do a well known quick nice story , have lots of sensory props... visual, tactile and smelly! Then a related easy activity
If there are children with PMLD (profound disabilities, usually immobile and non verbal) make sure they are included... (hence the tactile, smelly stuff) and don't be afraid to instruct the TAs to use the props for the children!)

Don't feel intimidated by the number of TAs there... it's a bit odd if you are not used to so many adults but THEY are used to it :)

I've been a TA (by choice ..I'm educated) for 15 years in Special Needs Schooling and love it, but it is is hard work. I get hit daily, bitten regularly and have come home with poo on me more times than I can count! But if you find you enjoy it, the children are the most interesting and amazing you could ever meet :)

Good luck!

Thank you @Slazengerbag that’s really helpful. I am secondary too. I have worked as a TA in a PRU with KS2 in the past so this will be my 1st experience with secondary in this setting.

I’m really excited and hope I get the job!! I’m keen to actually get to know the kids, and be there for them. Is that cheesy?

I know it will be tough, but I think I am resilient and pretty chilled, so hoping they’ll go hand in hand.

Thanks @KindergartenKop that’s helpful stuff

Thanks @StillMedusa that’s good to know about the range of abilities, I will be aware of that.

I’m not really sure what is expected of me during the ‘give support during a lesson’ part of the interview, I guess they’ll mainly be looking at how I interact?

The school is specific to behavioural SEN, not a PRU but specialises in ASD, ADHD, work refusal etc.