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Original poster

interview for dinner lady job so nervous any tips

8 replies

Woodward23 · 19/07/2023 14:15

I have a interview coming up for a dinner lady job i have appplied for its the perfect job for me for many reasons , any advice greatly given what will they ask me?

OP posts:
branchesontheground · 19/07/2023 14:26

I had an interview in a school for a ta position, they asked me about safeguarding. Look online for guidelines, I found them on the schools website. They asked about my strengths and weaknesses. I also prepared notes and they didn't mind me having them.

24Dogcuddler · 19/07/2023 14:32

“ Dinner lady” as in school kitchen or SMSA School Meals Supervisory Assistant?

Try to relax they won’t ask you anything you can’t answer. Might only be one person interviewing you.

If SMSA role they might ask about experience with children, how you might encourage children to join in / play
What would you do about conflict?
Could ask about children refusing food/ reluctance to eat. Might be a safeguarding question.
Don’t be afraid to say you would tell the class teacher ( if primary) or safeguarding lead ,if there’s a concern.
They could ask about confidentiality as SMSAs are usually from the local community ( though still extremely important if not)
Good luck!

Allmarbleslost · 19/07/2023 14:34

Definitely read up on safeguarding in schools. Other than that I really wouldn't worry too much!

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savoycabbage · 19/07/2023 14:35

They will definitely ask you about safeguarding. The nub of which is tell the designated safeguarding lead of anything that you are concerned about.

They might ask you things like how you would deal,with children falling out or how you would encourage them to eat. Maybe about any situation you've been in previously where you have had to use any skills that would be useful.

On the day, show positivity. 'Oh, what a lovely display on Picasso' or 'thank you for opening the door for me, what lovely manners' (to a child!!!)

Turnleftturnright · 19/07/2023 14:37

Please don't stress too much. Schools are crying out for dinner lady's. They will more than likely be lucky to have you.

Zoopernoodle · 19/07/2023 14:39

They might ask if you have any experience of working with food prep/serving. If you are prepared to do training on food hygiene. ( usually online and easy)
You'll be great, OP, good luck !

Original poster
Woodward23 · 19/07/2023 18:06

24Dogcuddler · 19/07/2023 14:32

“ Dinner lady” as in school kitchen or SMSA School Meals Supervisory Assistant?

Try to relax they won’t ask you anything you can’t answer. Might only be one person interviewing you.

If SMSA role they might ask about experience with children, how you might encourage children to join in / play
What would you do about conflict?
Could ask about children refusing food/ reluctance to eat. Might be a safeguarding question.
Don’t be afraid to say you would tell the class teacher ( if primary) or safeguarding lead ,if there’s a concern.
They could ask about confidentiality as SMSAs are usually from the local community ( though still extremely important if not)
Good luck!

@24Dogcuddler oh its a midday supervisor assistant

OP posts:
shoofly · 19/07/2023 18:10

Child protection/safeguarding/ confidentiality type question and then probably something about how you would deal with children. Don't stress and good luck

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