SEN Classroom Assistant interview questions

[Jeniweni]

Hi, would anyone have any ideas on questions I may get asked at an interview for post of Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Needs) in a special school? Many thanks.

Safeguarding is a mandatory thing. Also be prepared for questions on experience and skills needed. My advice is to prepare as best as you can.
What kind of school is it? Good luck!! Hopefully you’ll get the post.

Yy to safeguarding . You will probably get a question regarding behaviour management too.

Oh and good luck, I used to work in a special school and as an sen ta in mainstream. It was such an enjoyable job.

They will probably ask you about experience in implementing targets in IEPs and EHCPs too.

What would you do if XYZ happened?

The answer is always FOLLOW THE AGREED POLICY! Plus whatever lovely stuff you add but always follow the policy esp in Sen Ed x

All of the above, plus importance of teamwork, sense of humour, patience and recognising behaviour is communication.

Good luck.

Thanks so much!

Can I ask what EHCP's are?

Have a look at these to begin with:

www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs

councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/help-resources/resources/education-health-and-care-plans-examples-good-practice

record keeping
equal opps
support of school ethos if faith school
helping teacher/senco make adjustments/meet needs

Not specifically SEND classroom assistant but usually stuff like first aid procedure if someone is injured.

Read up on any policies on their website so you know exactly what their procedures/policies are, especially safeguarding.

I was going to mention personal care as a day to day.

Good luck. A sense of humour and understanding you are part of a team is essential.

I volunteer in a primary school and we have lots of children with SEND ranging from non-verbal autism, speech and language delay, dyslexia and cerebral palsy. I did a fantastic SEND short course which just touches the surface but was a great introduction of thinking outside the box to get the best for the child.

@WatcherOfTheNight

Hi @Lougle ,I'd just found them as your @ came through !
All done now

In addition to the above:
Describe an activity that you led where the child/ren learned something new.
What do you understand by Equal Opportunities?
What would you do if a child refused to carry out / was struggling with the task set?
What would you say if a parent approached you out of school e.g. in the supermarket and asked you about something that happened in school?
Are you confident with using ICT?

Thanks!