Interview tomorrow working in a school - can you help?

[JoanCrawford]

I've got an interview for the role of school library assistant.

In the letter confirming my slot it states, 'you will be asked to discuss appropriate relationships between staff and children during the interview.'

What do I say?

I know what's appropriate and what's not but what are they wanting me to say. Are they wanting me to quote some kind of child protection legislation? It's a simple enough question but it has me stumped. Especially as they've warned me this will be asked.

Any help most gratefully received.

[JoanCrawford]

bump

[flowerybeanbag]

JOan hopefully someone with experience working/interviewing in schools will be along to help you.

I would doubt very much that you will be expected to quote legislation, I would expect it to be a discussion about what you think constitutes appropriate relationships, maybe give you some examples for you to give your opinion on, maybe give you some difficult situations in this area to explain what you would do/have done before.

I'm speculating, having no experience in this area, as I say, hopefully someone with specific knowledge will be along for you.

Good luck with the interview!

[JoanCrawford]

oh flowery thank you.

I think I'm overly stressing. It's my first interview in 10 years and I'm a bag of nerves. I'm sure you're right about them giving me an example and for me to respond to that.

I've agonised over it for too long today and have now lost all sense of perspective!

[Slouchy]

Hi Joan,
I'm a sec teacher and currently work as a TA in a primary school.

I don't think this is about inaapropriate touching etc. i wonder if they want to see how you will maintain disciplne if you are in charge (e.g. lunchtimes, few kids sent to work on computers during lesson time etc) and pupils start misbehaving. Also maybe have a think about involving pupils as library helpers/monitors - is this something you could see working for you?

[Slouchy]

And flowery bb is quite right - it will be an example and response situ. They won't just pluck a theory out of the air and say "tell us about...." At least, they shouldn't!

[JoanCrawford]

thanks, that's great. Really, you've put my mind at rest.

The involving pupils to help out as monitors etc is great. Wouldn't have thought of that. I've thought alot about what I'm going to say about managing behaviour so if it's that they're after - great.

Thank you for your help

[Slouchy]

You are welcome. Good luck!

[harpsichordcarrier]

hello joan it really is quite a confusing question but I think it is probably about your place on the school "hierarchy" and how you would cope with these relationships.

on another subject, I was on a placement in a school last week and the librarian had set up a weekly book group - how cool is that? on a lunchtime, children could bring their packed lunches and there were chocolate bsicuits! it was very popular.
just something you might like to know about

[harpsichordcarrier]

how did you get on?

[JoanCrawford]

hello harpsichordcarrier! Thank you for asking. I didn't get it!

I did well during the interview but bombed in the initial 'scenarios' part of the morning.

Tbh, I was amazed at the whole process. All this for a little part-time job?

Four candidates. We were shown around the school then all went into a room with a head of year teacher and the librarian and were given, 'what would you do if...' type questions to discuss amongst the four of us. Two women dominated every discussion (went on for over half an hour) and the interviewers were taking notes. I became more and more introverted and found it increasingly difficult to voice my opinion.

And for that, so they told me, I didn't get it. They said in the one on one interview myself and this other woman (who got it) were head to head. So that made me feel better.

All great experience. Shall have to put up with idle chat over copious amounts of coffee with other sahm mums while the kids are at school so not all bad.

Thank you again for asking

And thank you too for your advice.

[JoanCrawford]

Blimey, don't I go on, bet you wished you never asked!

[harpsichordcarrier]

oh I am sorry to hear that, but as you say good experience.
it sounds like quite a terrifying experience