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TA interview...first interview for a decade..please helppppp!

3 replies

MyFirstName · 27/06/2014 14:53

I have just found out I have an interview on Monday for a TA role (primary).

First interview for 15 years. First ever in education. What sort of format will it be (panel for TA or just the head). What sort of questions may be covered? I have no formal quals or experience as such...just parenthood and being a parent helper.

What should I wear?

Any advice gratefully received.

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Catrin · 29/06/2014 01:36

Congratulations on the interview.

Clothes - smart/tidy. Not a suit! Trousers/skirt and top. Not revealing, no cleavage. Just...normal.

Questions - bound to be one on safeguarding, so how to keep children safe. Such things as check with senior staff, do not ask leading questions, never go and 'sort it out' for them if child protection. You would follow the school's policy.

How you would work with others; supportive, good team player. Keen to learn, motivated etc.

What your transferable skills are e.g. organised, good time management, good at team work, turn your hand to most things, good at (e.g.) filing, displays, cooking, sewing, ICT, numeracy...

What do you think might be tricky? (Friends with parents in class you work in (say nothing, refer them to teacher) issues with your child in school (professional head v parent head etc)

Your own strengths and weaknesses

Examples of when you have done something, e.g. helped someone, something you are proud of.

How would you help a child who... tricky if no education experience so go with common sense. I haven't got direct experience, but I would expect that... if in doubt I would consult the class teacher/colleagues/ SENCo for advice

Likely to be head and at least one other, e.g. deputy, governor or both. Probably about 6/7 questions. If you have got an interview with no TA experience, you obviously did a good covering letter!

God, that was an essay, sorry! Good luck :)

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MyFirstName · 29/06/2014 08:30

Don't apologise for it being an essay, that was fab thank you!

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fledermaus · 29/06/2014 15:26

I've had a couple of TA interviews recently and the format has been - doing an activity with the children (eg. share a book, or do a small group maths focussed activity) a task and then a panel interview with 6-9 questions. Questions like - why do you want to work at that school, what do you bring to the role, and some scenario based questions - what would you do if a child told you their stepdad hits them? How would you support a child with SEN to access the curriculum.

What to wear - not a suit but not jeans. A dress and cardi, smart top with skirt/trousers, smart but practical shoes.

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