Have an interview next week for classroom assistant role. Any advice on what to expect in the interview?

[clapton]

Hi, I've not worked for several years and do not come from a teaching background. I have done a fair bit of voluntary work for the school, so feel I have a little insight.

The thing is I am just not sure what to expect from the interview and also feeling a little nervous and excited. This is something I really want to do. I just wondered if you have any tips for me????

I would expect to be asked.....

How you feel about working with a teacher, and by yourself
What you understand by SEN?
Why you want to work with children

Be dead enthusiastic and smiley, and you'll be half way there!

I'm a SENCO (secondary, but I guess this may be relevant) and I always include a couple of scenarios in the questions...
eg What would you do if you asked a child to do something and they refused?
How would you handle it if the teacher gave an explanation and you were aware that it went over the heads of some kids?

Try to be specific in your responses. Show that you understand that you will be working under the direction of the teacher but that you'll also be confident to use your initiative.
Show some knowledge of differentiation - ie adapting how the curriculum is delivered. Differentiation can be as simple as explaining something with simpler words, using pictures etc
They will prob ask you about your strengths/weaknesses and what you perceive the difficulties of the job may be.
Best of luck!

If you are a parent or ex-parent they may want to hear from you that you are aware that stuff you hear and see in school will remain confidential.

Thank you for your advice, this is a help, its a little daunting because I have not worked for a fews years and also because this is a new area for me.

Oh me, me m e!

I've just started as a TA in Y5-6.
I am a teacher so the interview wasn't too daunting, but they asked things like..
What do you imagine your role to be?
How would you deal with a child who was disrupting your small group session?
How would you try and help a child with (a) understanding where sentences end (b) the concept of 100s, 10s and units?
How do you feel about domestic stuff (i.e. cleaning up puke - the one qu that really threw me!)

HTH

Thanks Slouchy,

I started with a chest infection last week and I am slowly recovering, I just hope my voice is back to normal in time for the interview.

As I am under the weather, I am really stressing about it. I am going to try and chill out about it.

Thanks again everyone!