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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.

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Original poster

Applied for a TA role - tips?

19 replies

potionmaking · 25/02/2020 13:21

I've applied for a part time TA role at DS' school. I've been volunteering there for a while, but not as a TA.

I have no other experience in education (career change after five years as a SAHM) but from what I've seen it's something I'd love to do and I think (hope) I'd be good at.

Any tips for interview, or after, if I'm successful? I guess what I'd love to know is how to be a really good TA; someone that you'd want in your classroom.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:

MetallicPaints · 25/02/2020 13:42

For the interview, you will almost certainly get asked about Safeguarding, so try and read up on the school's policy and find out who the Safeguarding Lead is, this is the person you would report any concerns to in school. Know what the school's values are and how they are promoted in the school, and try and incorporate that into an answer, also the behaviour policy.
As for the role of TA, its so varied and no two days (hours!) are the same. You need to be able to adapt to situations as they arise. Try and be proactive, if you see a coat has fallen off a peg, hang it back up! If a box of resources has been sitting around for ages, put it away!
Don't talk across the teacher, you need to be there in a supportive role. When the teacher is giving whole class input, for example, try and spot any children struggling or not staying focussed and quietly keep them on task.
A good sense of humour is essential, with both the children and staff, teaching is a stressful job and sometimes you need to be able to laugh about it.
Be discreet, be aware of confidentiality, some things you will need to keep in school.
I'm sure there's loads more, its a great job, poorly paid for the amount of energy you put in, but so rewarding in so many ways.

Awning10 · 25/02/2020 18:37

I would go through the job description, prepare some questions and then do a practise interview with a friend. They may ask you some "what would you do if...?" type questions. For example, they might ask, "what would you do if a child asked you to keep a secret?" For safeguarding purposes, you must tell the child that you cannot. They might ask you about what you know about SEN, dyslexia, autism, behaviour problems, ADHD, etc. They may also ask about your curriculum knowledge and "what are important TA qualities?" Patience, sense of humour, approachable, etc. Good luck! It's a great job!

Original poster

potionmaking · 25/02/2020 20:46

That is so helpful, thank you.

I've read and digested the safeguarding and behaviour policies as well as the values of the school. I feel quite confident around answering questions on them now.

I can also field the ASD / SEN questions as I have a younger DC with severe SEN.

I will definitely be re-reading your posts and trying absorb everything. I really do think it sounds like a great, rewarding job. I just want to make sure I'm the right person for it. And I'm a bit worried I'll be crap at the maths side of things

OP posts:

MetallicPaints · 25/02/2020 20:52

@potionmaking good luck, let us know how it goes. As long as you have a passion for the job, which you clearly do, that will shine through. You should also say that you are very willing to take on any training offered, including 1st Aid, and that you are committed to developing your knowledge and expertise.

MetallicPaints · 25/02/2020 20:53

Don't worry too much about the maths, it is not my strongest point but I get by!

Original poster

potionmaking · 25/02/2020 20:58

Thank you, your advice is really very helpful.
I will definitely update.

I made it very clear on my application that I would happily learn and develop my skills 'on the job' in the classroom but also attend any training courses that would be of benefit. So I hope that goes someday to making up for my lack of experience and TA qualifications.

That's good to hear about the maths. I'm ok at it, it's just not my strongest point. But I reckon with a bit of brushing up I'll wing it

OP posts:

Awning10 · 26/02/2020 17:51

Don't worry about the maths! Maths was also my biggest worry. You will be there in class listening to the lesson as well... make notes if necessary. You can always ask the teacher for guidance if you are stuck. Funnily enough, I actually like the maths lessons the most now. I've learnt loads!

almightygirl · 26/02/2020 17:57

Was it for a particular year group? If you’re asked to read a story in reception, eg, use puppets & ask the children questions as you read.

When I was in yr 4 I would try & stay ahead of the maths. The class teacher would tell me what we would be doing the following week & I’d go home & practice, using the methods they were doing in class. It meant I could feel confident about showing them how to work something out, without having to do it on the spot, if that makes sense. I’m back in early years now so it’s a bit easier!

outofyourhand · 27/02/2020 16:53

They haven't yet specified if it's for a particular year yet. Thanks for the maths reassurance!

During my interview I've been asked to read a book of my choice to a small group of Y3...any suggestions / tips?!

almightygirl · 27/02/2020 17:38

Oliver & the Seawigs is a good book for year 3, I think. I seem to remember it was a class book for both of my boys. Remember to ask a few questions as you’re reading - how might the character be feeling, what do you think will happen next etc.

In my interview, I was asked how I would follow up with the story so maybe have a think of one or two activities that could lead on from it. Eg, keeping a diary based on the main character, writing a letter to a character.

Good luck - please let us know how you get on!

GrannyBags · 27/02/2020 17:44

I’m a TA - after 20 years as a teacher. I always say being a TA is a bit like being a granny. All the good bits but not the boring bits. No marking, no pointless meetings and no Parents Evenings. Just spending time with the children, helping them and watching them grow. Ok, there is a fair amount of shredding and photocopying, plus standing on the playground whilst the teachers are in the warm with a cuppa but it’s a small price to pay.

TeetotalKoala · 27/02/2020 23:18

I had to read a story during my interview to a group of Y1s. I chose one that my own children love and that I was comfortable and confident reading.

I started my new TA role this week and I love it already.

Good luck, keep us posted!

Lifesabeach86 · 09/03/2020 17:19

How did it go OP?

Original poster

potionmaking · 10/03/2020 22:14

I got the job

Thank you for all the advice.

OP posts:

Sewingbea · 13/03/2020 17:03

Congratulations! A good TA is a life saver for a teacher. Mine are wonderful and I don't know what I'd do without them. Actually I do, I'd be weeping into a gin every evening

MetallicPaints · 13/03/2020 22:58

@potionmaking just seen this, congratulations!

grannyshark · 13/03/2020 23:03

Congrats, it's the best job in the world. I gave up teaching to become a TA and it's the best thing I ever did.

Original poster

potionmaking · 14/03/2020 05:29

Thank you, everyone! I'm really excited. Cannot wait to start.

Thank you again for the advice on this thread; it really was very helpful.

OP posts:

almightygirl · 15/03/2020 20:35

Congratulations!

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