New job as a Teaching Assistant (KS2) starting Monday - any tips!

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If anyone has any hints or tips, I'm thinking basic stuff, then please share

1. What does a TA normally wear?
2. Should I take trainers to change into for break / lunchtime?
3. What happens at lunchtime - will I get a hot meal or should I take in a sandwich? Do staff take in their own tea bags?
4. What items would be useful to take in?
5. Where do you leave personal belongings, i.e. mobile phone?

I'm guessing the children may ask me personal questions (where do you live, do you have children, how old are you, are you married, etc.?) ....do you have any standard responses I can use?

What questions should I ask the teacher, I think Week One I will be observing only, so should be a nice introduction to the school and role.

Anything else which seems obvious which I should: do, know, say or definitely not say? Thanks very much.

1. Smart casual - can't go wrong with smart trousers and a nice top
2. You won't have time to change into trainers for break duty. If you are supporting in PE lessons, you should wear appropriate clothes for exercise and trainers that day
3. Bring your own lunch. There might be the option to buy a school dinner or to have a dinner in exchange for doing a lunch duty but school dinners aren't always the best!
4. Don't get into the habit of taking your own stuff in! It will become difficult to break
5. Depends on your school routines - when you have your induction, you will find out about routines etc.

Have a wonderful first day! Schools are amazing places to work! Follow the directions of the class teacher and you should be fine.

Be prepared to be shattered by playtime though.....it is tiring being in school.

Thank you soo much!

You'll have induction, tour of the school and safeguarding first.

1. Wear smart casual with flat, comfy shoes.
2. No need if you wear flat, comfy shoes. Plus won't have time.

3 (i) Depends on your contract. You'll probably have half hour lunch break then be on duty for the other half hour. Take your own lunch, quick and easy to eat. 3 (ii). Tea bags, coffee sugar etc - depends on the school, everywhere does it slightly different. I've worked in some that charge 20p per tea, 30p coffee in an honesty box. I've worked in a school that asks for a £5 every term. I've worked in a school that provide it all free.

1. Take a notebook if you are someone that writes things down to remember. And a water bottle. Nothing else.
2. Probably in a cupboard. Ask the class teacher of the class where you'll be based. Or you might have a locker if you're a mobile TA. Again, depends on the school.
3. Questions from children - tell them what you're comfortable with but without oversharing, like "I live in this town that our school is in." Likely you'll bump into them when you put your bins out or pop in to Tesco at some point any way so they will work it out eventually. I like to answer the question of age by saying "I'm as old as my gums but a little bit older than my teeth." They all think I'm ancient and are too confused to ask again. Don't tell them if you're new to being a TA or working in a school.

Good luck and enjoy!

Wear layers: schools are either boiling or freezing
Wear a coat with a hood ready for playground duty
Take a pencil case or bum bag with some basic stationery
Write stuff down
Good luck!