Any TA's?

[TARF567]

I have a interview this week for a TA job that is in a school for pupils with profound disabilities, any tips for the interview?

I have worked with children in a nursery before in the past but never in a school.

I'm dyslexic as well, so hoping this won't go against me.

What would you say I need to know before the interview? I have done my prep on safeguarding, why I want to be a TA etc.

Thank you

Yes, definitely sounds positive.

I hope they let you know soon.

Keep us updated 🙂 I'd love to work as a TA especially in specialist provision

That's great! Did they ask stuff you were prepared for?

When will you hear about the outcome?

Just a update have been offered the job, which I will take if I can get all the logistics in place

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

I was going to give you advice for interview as I work in a school for pupils with sld and pmld.

But instead I'll say enjoy every moment. I've been working with children with disabilities for 25 years - 15 in this school.

I started as a TA and I'm not the behaviour support worker and pastoral care.

My son attends a school for severe and profound needs and we absolutely adore his teachers and TA's. Prepare to make a lot of new little best friends OP!

Thank you, I'm so excited to get started!

Well done 😊

Yay! Huge congratulations!

You will not regret it - the job satisfaction is worth the low pay (if, like me, money is not an important factor for wanting to be a TA).

Hi all! I start my new job tomorrow, any last minute advice?

Make yourself useful! Even if you're not sure exactly want you need to do, do something!

Watch what everyone does, listen to everything. Ask your teacher what they need you to do.
Sometimes, watching and waiting is best.
Enjoy your first day!

Don't be afraid to give the children much longer to respond than you would usually expect, don't feel you need to fill the silence with prompts.

Don't sit with your back to the room, always position yourself so you can see everything.
Don't ask the children too many questions. Comment, extend, but don't ask unnecessarily.
Hope it goes well!

If one of the children is angry, don’t take it personally. They may call you names or make personal comments but they aren’t cross with you as an individual. They are cross with the situation or authority in general and you become the target. Take a step back and don’t let it get to you.

Always say yes to a cup of tea and/or a wee break. It might be a while before the next chance appears! I also make a cup of tea in a thermal mug to take in with me every morning. Then if I don’t get a chance to make a drink until lunchtime I’ve got a warm one anyway, with a lid so they can’t knock it on to themselves.

Playground duty can be freezing. Buy a good coat.

We go outdoors a lot. I keep a set wellies and waterproofs at school so I don’t ever forget them.
I also have my own pencil case with my pen, sellotape and a hole punch in it. Because I can never find these things in school when I need them. Easier to have my own.

Have fun. Best job ever.

Oh, and see if you can learn a couple of daft songs, or quick games. Things that can fill two minutes if needed.
Like this one, which my Year 1 class love:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=yU2GqcjJcdM

Good luck @TARF567 let us know how you get on! Are you full time?

How did you get on @TARF567