Tips for Teaching Assistant interview pls!

[Blossom4538]

I’m nervous. It is for SEN provision (autism).

Thanks!

School governor here.

Make sure you do your research. Have a good look at the school website - in particular their SEN report, which should set out their approach to SEN. You'll probably be asked about what attracted you to the job, so anything you can glean from the website will help.

Also take a look at their Safeguarding/Child Protection policy - this will almost certainly be something you are asked about in interview.

You'll probably also be asked about how you'd deal with behavioural issues, so take a look at their Behaviour Policy.

If possible, ask to visit the school - it's very normal for prospective teachers to visit the school, but less so for TAs, and I'm always impressed when a TA candidate has been in for a look around. It will also give you an idea of how the school works, its ethos and what the other staff are like.

Come with a few questions - make sure you know exactly what hours you'll work and what the salary is - too many schools don't put the 'pro rata' salary in their advertisements!

Mine was a while ago now, also for SEN, but they either gave you scenarios that fell under things like safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour issues, and asked how you'd deal with it, or asked for specific examples of things you dealt with.

So they would either say 'tell us a time you dealt with a challenging behaviour, what did you do and what did you learn', or

'what you do if a child disclosed abuse to you'. You don't need to be wordy, what they're looking for is that you'd take the issue to the safeguarding lead.

Good luck!

Depending on the school, you may be asked to participate in a lesson in some way, just so you are prepared! Our school always do this for anyone interviewing.

And read part 1 of this:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2

All of the above. If you are going to be in a lesson, engage with the students. But not loudly when teacher is talking! Offer to help handing things out if teacher has handouts or books etc.

Take a pencil case with a few spare pens and pencils and a glue stick in case a student you are with doesn’t bring any.

At all times in the school you are being interviewed by everyone who talks to you. Some candidates let themselves down when they think they’re not yet with the people who matter! Receptionists / support staff / students may well all be asked what they thought of you!

Be confident. Students and staff want TAs who are calm and reliable and consistent.