Tips needed for Teaching Assistant interview!

[poucher]

I have surprised myself and landed an interview for a Classroom Teaching Assistant post at a local high school next week. Now that the reality has set in, I am wondering what the most likely questions are going to be - there is also a short time of being observed in a classroom environment, which is worrying me slightly! I would love to hear from any secondary school teaching assistants out there - not just interview advice but more general info about what to expect, why you like the job etc. I have no idea whether I am realistically in with a chance, but intend to give it my best shot!

Hi Poucher
congrats on gaining your interview. I am volunteering at the mo in a secondary school and have to say it is a real challenging role. Its important to make eye contact and smile with the children and let them know you are there to help and that gaining a good education is really important to them.its important also for you to take deep breaths and dont take things personnally. patience and understanding go a long way.
let us know how you get on. Good Luck.

Some schools ask about how you would deal with a situation if a child tells you something of concern - the answer should be that you would follow the school policy which is normally that you listen but never promise to keep a secret and you refer to the person in charge of child protection. Might be worth having a quick look at any policies on the website.
Have you posted on the staff room page?

Hi Poucher. Join the TES forums and look on the
Teaching Assistant forum where there is a thread which is kept up to date by interviewees. loads of people say it really helped them prepare for their interview. Good luck.

Ooh thanks for that, I've an interview for primary TA on Monday x

Thanks very much everyone - v helpful advice!

make sure you are up on the every child matters outcomes, they are also bound to ask something about equality and diversity