​SEND Teaching Assistants – Improve Your Chances of Success on a Trial Day

Starting a new role as a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Teaching Assistant can be daunting, but with some preparation and the right approach, you can impress on your trial day and increase your chances of success in securing a long-term role. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trial day:

Preparation is Key

As the saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. The more you prepare yourself before attending your trial day, the better equipped you'll be to handle any challenges that come your way.

1. Research the School: Spend at least an hour researching the school. Learn about their ethos, values, and approach to supporting children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). Check their website for key information and staff lists to familiarise yourself with senior members of the team. You can also look up the school’s most recent Ofsted report to see their strengths and areas of excellence.

2. Learn About the Child You’ll Be Supporting: If you’re working with a specific child, ask your Recruitment Consultant for information about their needs, challenges, and the school’s expectations. Knowing what to expect will allow you to be proactive in offering support.

3. Use Case Studies: Research case studies of supporting children with SEND to gain insights into various strategies you can apply on the job. This will help you feel more confident in your ability to meet the needs of the children you work with.

Arrival at School

When you arrive at the school, make sure you introduce yourself clearly to the main contact person. A warm smile goes a long way in making a positive first impression and showing you’re approachable.

During the Trial Day

1. Show Initiative: During the trial day, demonstrate your passion for the role by being proactive. Take note of what’s happening in the classroom and offer help without waiting to be asked. Schools highly value candidates who show initiative and can anticipate the needs of the classroom.

2. Engage with the Children: Connect with the children you're supporting, especially those with SEND. Kneel to their level when interacting with them, which helps build positive relationships and trust.

3. Be Enthusiastic: While experience is important, schools often look for candidates who show enthusiasm for the role. Enthusiasm demonstrates that you’re passionate and ready to get involved with supporting children’s learning and development.

Feedback

1. Ask for Feedback: After the trial day, ask for feedback from either the school or your recruitment consultant. This is crucial for understanding what you did well and where you can improve. Constructive feedback will help you develop your skills for future opportunities.

2. Keep the Conversation Going: Let the school know you enjoyed the role and offer your availability for future work. Showing that you're eager to return will keep you on their radar for future opportunities.

3. Feedback from the Recruiter: Request feedback from your recruitment consultant as well. Ask about whether the feedback from the school was positive or if there are areas that may need some work. This helps you better prepare for the next opportunity.

Stay Connected

For more tips and advice, be sure to check out our other blogs. Best of luck in your SEND Teaching Assistant journey!If you would like to learn more about SEND teaching assistant roles we have available, please take a look at our jobs page, call 0203 771 1138 or email info@envisioneducation.co.uk.