Questions to ask at a primary school PSA interview in Scotland

[HappyDaisy13]

Hi,

Are there any PSA's on here that could offer me some insight/advice, please? I recently qualified in Childhood Practice and have been on placement for the last few years in a Nursery.

I have an interview in the morning for a PSA at my local Primary School; however, speaking to a few PSA's in the nursery I am currently in Supply with have told me to avoid the role at all costs. They have advised it's very isolating dealing with complex ASN 1:1s and challenging behaviour, and I will be burnt out.

I am aware of this from the nursery, and I do struggle with ASN on my own as I am still learning and we do not receive training for specific ASN. I have just lost a parent and am trying to take care of my mental health, and I don't want to go into a role that I will struggle with.

Can anyone provide insight into the role and/or any questions I should ask at my interview, please?

TIA

Have you had your interview yet?
I have worked as a PSA in a few different schools. It’s a challenging role and I would say dealing primary aged children with ASN is harder and different from what I would imagine nursery aged ASN children is.
Whether the role you are applying for will exclusively be for a specific 1:1 child will depend on the school. You should definitely ask this so you can consider if that’s what you want to do as it can be physically and mentally draining.
That being said, I love my job but then I don’t work 1:1 all the time.