Tips for a Teaching Assistant Job interview

[PrincessHoneysuckle]

Worked in a Primary for years but not in a t.a position.
I really want this job and was wondering if anyone could give me an insight into what the interview will be like please

Know your stuff re safeguarding as it’s always a big part of the interview. Have responses for questions about how you would deal with challenging behaviour.

Read the school’s safeguarding and behaviour policies before going. Will you be asked to do anything with the class such as an activity?

They will ask you about your experience, what would you do in a certain situation, confidentiality, safeguarding, anything additional you can bring to the role (e.g. some TAs are musical), how would you deal with challenging behaviour, possible questions on SEN, conflict with a colleague and what to do if a parent approaches you

Best of luck with the interview!

It’ll all be about safeguarding

As already been mentioned, but try to think of a little activity you could do with a small number of children, if needed!
Good Luck, my TA’s are invaluable, I couldn’t do my job without them.

I'm expecting an activity so I need to think of something in case it's not just given to me

When replying to any question, reference checking the relevant school policy and complying with it.
You might be asked to work with a small group of children to do a task with them, or read a story. You might be given SATs tests to do yourself ( often reading and arithmetic).
There will normally be a safeguarding question, often along the lines of
" Pupil says they want to tell you something but you have to promise to keep it a secret - what do you do?"
Good luck!

DONT FORGRT INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY for children with additional needs- you need to be able to adapt activities so that everyone has the opportunity to access them x good luck!!

They should give you the brief ahead of time rather than on the day, eg read a story. Although they might not! If it is read a story, make sure you read with intonation, manage behaviour and ask the children questions.

These answers are so helpful 😊

They're desperate for TAs so as long as you don't say anything really stupid you'll be fine. Relax, put the children first in all your answers a d stress you are a team player.

So interview yesterday went really well and the p.a told me I'd get a call.either way at the end of the day.No call came! Is no news good news? I'm assuming they're v busy

Fingers crossed they come back to you soon, with good news!

I didn't sleep a wink last night

I would give them a call to show that you are eager. Good luck, although not great pay it really is a great job x

Won't that come across as too eager?

I'd call by the end of the day I think. Not too keen by giving them a full day on from when they said they'd call but keen enough that you show you want it. Although I think recruiters make the decision pretty quickly but don't contract straight away so likely decision is already made

I got the job!!!!!!!

Congratulations!

Well done!

Yay, congratulations!

Yaaay! I was actually holding my breath as I read down!

Welcome to the crazy world of TA-ing! No day will ever be the same and you will need a sense of humour but it's the best job ever!

I cried after the phonecall finished.Been a midday for 5.5 years and this is perfect for my family

Well done! What activity did you do?!