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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

LSA interview

3 replies

Cuileann · 08/11/2018 20:21

Hi! Was just wondering if I could ask for some advice.

I have a Learning Support Assistant interview next week, a job I would really, really like, in a school that I would really, really like to work in!

I've just got the programme for the interview (a whole day of it 😳) and it looks terrifying. There's the expected stuff - a 1:1 interview and tour of the school - but also 'speed recruitment' including some of the pupils, and an unspecified 'task.'

I was just wondering if anyone knows of the kind of questions that might be asked (especially during the 'speed recruitment'!!!) and what kind of tasks might be set for potential LSAs?

I'm also really worried about being able to 'sell myself' properly. I worked for a TA at primary school, a job which I was good at, and which I loved, but this job is at a secondary school. I have experience working with teens through a childcare job I had for five years, but nothing extensive beyond supporting those specific two teens. Education wise, I have a good undergrad degree in History, and am about 90% of the way through a part time Psychology conversion degree. I also have interests in sport and music.

I have just been accepted for another role (part time and outside of school hours) working with a boy with cerebral palsy. I'm not sure whether to mention this, in case they think I wouldn't be able to maintain both jobs (even though it would only be a couple of hours three days a week after school.)

Finally (and thank you so so much if you've stuck this far!!) I've just found out that one of my old teachers is deputy there, and is leading the tour. I'm not sure what to say to him! He will remember who I am so there's no hiding away.

Just any advice would be so so so so welcome! Sorry for such a super long post. 😊

OP posts:
ElizabethMainwaring · 10/11/2018 16:20

Hi Cuilleann (hope I've spelled correctly). Just a quick answer for now, I'll get back to you later. But in my experience, secondary schools are really keen on getting primary people.

ElizabethMainwaring · 10/11/2018 16:27

Don't worry about the Deputy situation - the ball won't be in your court conversation wise. They will lead you, and hopefully put you at ease, just ask a couple of questions at the end.

AvoidingMarking · 10/11/2018 21:03

At our school, they are asked things like- how do you motivate a reluctant learner?
Can you give examples of when you've worked with others?
What does learning look like?
What would you do if you feel a teacher doesn't provide the right resources to support the child you are working with?

They will have to ask at least one safeguarding question too- be on the lookout for it. It may not be the obvious 'what would you do if a child asked you if you could keep a secret?'

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