Teaching assistant interview tomorrow!!!!

[jf1992x]

Godddd I am SO nervous! It’s for primary school and my experience teaching is with college age so not sure how this is going to go.

Any ideas what sort of questions I’ll be asked? Aside from safeguarding etc.

Also, my interview time is 9-3 but no inclination of if I’ll be doing anything other than the general interview. Should I prepare for something? I think it’s a bit unfair to surprise us with a task if we’ve not been told in advance but maybe they want to see how we cope last minute.

i could be sick 😭 stay at home mum since 2021 so this is a big deal!

Anyone?

What information have they given you about the day? If they haven't provided any information, I would imagine they will do a formal interview at some point during the day, whilst asking you to work with groups of children in classrooms, throughout the day. I am obviously just guessing, but for a whole day, that's probably what they will do, if they haven't asked you to prepare anything. Be prepared to work with the children, interact with them, follow the teacher's instructions.

Thanks! Yes literally the email said your interview is from 9-3, bring qualification documents and that was it. As I said I've never worked with children of this age so I'm a bit daunted of what I'll be doing with them but I suppose I'll just go with it and try my best! I'm surprised I even got an interview to be honest 😂

Just do your best, be friendly, ask the children their names, but make sure they are working hard and focused on what they have been asked to do. They will probably ask you about how you will motivate the children to achieve, how you form good relationships with them, how you will ensure progress.

Good luck!

Make sure you know about safeguarding as there will definitely be a question about that. Take a couple of your favourite books with you that you know well in case you're asked to read a story. If you're in Reception or KS1, get stuck in, sit down and engage with the kids, smile and talk to them.
Good luck

Often TAs are asked to run a little group activity. You will probably be given a task or session with resources and time to prepare. You’d then be observed delivering it and interacting with the children. Think about your use of questions and including everyone.

In addition to Safeguarding look at the Behaviour management policy on their website. There may be a behaviour or SEN question.
If the school has any awards that may indicate the ethos or area of expertise.

Good luck. Smile, try to relax. You will have lots of transferrable skills and experience. They wouldn’t be interviewing you if they didn’t think you could do it.

Some schools give a maths test and writing task. Storytime with a group is also common.I'm surprised they haven't said more about the day. I hope it goes well for you.

Thank you! I’ve had a good read on their safeguarding policy so I’m comfortable with that I think. I’ll definitely take some books thanks for that. No idea what year I’ll be with but my daughter is is year 1 so I’m presuming I won’t be placed in her class!

Thank you! I’m really nervous about having to plan something last minute 😭 I’ve prepped for safeguarding, behaviour and SEN questions so think I’m good in that area. I’ll have a look at awards for the school thanks!

Honestly I’ve trawled MN for the last week and literally every post was like “oh I’ve been told to prepare such and such and deliver to this many kids” and I’ve literally had nothing like that which worries me 😅

How did you get on OP?

Didn’t get it! All the other interviewees were already teaching assistants so I knew I didn’t stand a chance! Oh well - was good experience! I now have an interview next Monday for a TA role at a secondary school!

Just see it as a learning experience
well done for getting the interview and good luck for the next one

Sorry you didn't get it. Good luck for your next interview.

Next one might be the job for you. Good luck.

Hi @Katykaty11 I have got an interview too and I just wondered if you might know where I could find a similar maths test to prepare. Thanks