Help with interview

[MarlieC]

Hi there
I have got an interview for a TA role coming up. Could you give me any pointers that might be helpful.
I have never worked in a school before but have a large family so am used to being around children.
Thank you!

Hi there, you will more than likely be interviewed by a panel of at least 3, there may be a pupil on the panel if it’s a secondary school.
Read the school website fully and also the Ofsted report which is freely available online, If it’s a good report, mention some positives in the interview.

Don't say you love being around children, do say you have always wanted to work in a school environment and how child development has always interested you, in particular the development of special needs children.
Read up on ADHD,autism etc.

You may be offered a tour of the school, show an interest in the displayed work, ask about after school clubs etc.
Ask about NVQ’s and any other training that may be available, you have to stand out as someone who has a passion and would see it as a career and not another Mum who wants to work school hours!

Other good questions would be how many children are there with additional needs and what percentage are English as a second language.

If you have specific skills in sport, art, craft cooking etc mention this.

If you have the time have a look at the childrens act, if you can refer to it during interview you will get extra points!

Finally never refer to children as kids and good luck.

I'm a school governor, and sometimes do interviews. There will always be a safeguarding question. You can prepare by reading the school's Child Protection/Safeguarding policy and the Government's Keeping Children Safe in Education document (both of which you will need to read if you get the job). But if you don't have time, the main points to grasp are:

• Never promise a child confidentiality
• Never assume "it can't happen here"
• Always refer concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Always follow school policies

Thank you- this is really helpful

Just to add, the safeguarding question may be scenario based, e.g.
Q."What would you do if you noticed a student had a bruise on their arm?" (A. I would ask what happened). Q. "What if they seemed reluctant to tell you, seemed upset, or you thought the answer seemed implausible? (A. I would follow school policy and report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead).

Thanks. Any other tips gratefully received!

As mentioned, there will be a safeguarding question. The most important thing I learned in safeguarding training was that you might believe that a piece of information you have about a child is “probably nothing”, but it could just be the last piece of information the DSL needs to refer the child for the right help. I was once asked by the HT in an interview what I would do if I was concerned about a child but the DSL had seemed too busy to listen properly - I said I would go to the governors or local authority if necessary. They will probably want to see how you interact with the children too. I’ve also been asked how I see the role - I think I said to support the teacher in teaching and also to support the children with their learning and to help them enjoy school. Best of luck!