Interview teaching assistant

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Hi I am new to this got an interview in the new year for a teaching assistant post working 1. to 1 with Sen children I have a 30 minute task in relation to the above but they don't specify what, any help would be most appreciated also possible questions.Sorry if this is in the wrong place.

Child protection questions will most likely come up- the school might have the safeguarding policies on their website

Safeguarding definitely... read up (obviously you won't know who the school lead is but just generic steps)

Think about how you will engage with the child.. (do you know what sort of special needs they have?) .. how would you manage challenging behaviour, (for example) or a child with autism who has sensory needs. Is it mainstream or special school, as that does tend to change things slightly (mostly as children tend to have multiple and more severe needs in special schools)

Think about your strengths and weaknesses. Examples where you have faced a challenge and how you tackled it (can be personal rather than in a employment situation)

What challenges do you think you will face in the role?

You can ask questions, like what support/training you will receive.

Do you know what age group you will be working with?

Definitely safeguarding questions. Policies should be on website, should say who safeguarding lead is.

If you have not had an interview like this before, it will likely be a panel interview, so maybe 2 or 3 people interviewing you. They will have set questions to ask you and will take it in turns to ask questions. Make sure you look at the person asking the particular question, the others will be writing notes.

Hi
Thank you, reception child autistic, any idea about the task please

The ‘task’ that I set for interviewees is just to participate in a group activity with another member of staff and a selected group of children. It is usually an educational game.

I am looking for the interviewee to pick up on the children’s level of communication and the other adult’s interaction style and mirror that appropriately. I am also looking for the interviewee to pick up on the educational skill being worked on and draw that out. Mainly though, I’m looking to see that they are relaxed and ‘natural’ with the children and assessing whether they would be a good fit with my existing team.

No idea if your task will be anything like this though. It could be a role play of a phone call to a parent after an incident or something like that.

Assuming the task is provided and planned by the school (check this - should be clear if planning is needed), it might be literacy (reading or writing) or numeracy, another task that will be appropriate to the child. If I was the class teacher setting the task it would be a worksheet with additional resources or props. I have also heard of an observation in class - so you may be asked to support in class for 30 mins.

I wouldn't worry about the task itself, but focus on what the observers are hoping to see. This is -That you be able to, in time, help and support the learning of the child, that you can relate well and have good judgement, that you can relate all to other adults, That you are not passive. Reluctant learner? Entirely appropriate to spend time building a relationship coaxing child to be onside, but be firm and ensure they do some of the task. Talk to the child introduce yourself, ask questions, listen to the answers, " hello I'm Mrs so and so and we will be doing x today l. Have you had a good morning?" Respond appropriately and be enthusiastic.

Hope that helps.

Hiya - look at Twinkl for ideas - I use it all the time you can get some activities free i think but i subscribe - well worth the money. Like previous posts - gen up on safeguarding! Good luck!

Thanks

They will properly ask you how you might deal with different situations and senorios

If it's for Reception, be prepared to spend time sitting on the floor so dress smartly but comfortably!

Think schedules,routines,visuals (first,&then)..how children with autism do better with these aids,also countdown timers,..child protection will be interview question, and I also imagine there could be something relevant to if child is non verbal,so how would you intend to communicate with them..Good luck

Early years really shouldn't be a worksheet if they are running it properly. It should be a play based activity, probably with an objective linked to it, maybe focussed on developing social skills. It might help you to look up the Early Years Foundation Stage objectives to get an idea of what is taught in Year R, although it can be a bit daunting as there's lots in there. I'm a TA in Early Years so happy to help if I can.

Thanks all I have had a couple of interviews but the task is always stated great feedback but always come second tasks previously 20 mins, this time 30 and no details given seems rather long. I really want this job so very nervous compared to previous interviews.

Lots of interaction and qs as doing task

Good luck

Hi, what sort of games would be good? I have an interview and have to play a “game of my choice” with year 5s TIA