Got Interview as PA to H/teacher in Local Secondary Schools - what should I know

stressedoutmum

Got an interview next week. I think I'm OK with the experience and qualfiications. Its more info pertaining to schools that I'm not sure of. Part of job description is awareness of relevant polices/ codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation. Other than looking at the school's website and gleaning what info I can. The only policy I can think of is Healthy Eating. Can anyone else advise what they might be looking for so I can swat up. Thanks.

LittleVoice

Safeguarding Children

Oldernotwiser

Equal Opportunities

PasturesNew

stressedoutmum wrote: »

...awareness of relevant polices/ codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation.

That would always put me off. You don't know what they mean if you're not an insider already.

stressedoutmum

Quote:
Originally Posted by stressedoutmum
...awareness of relevant polices/ codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation.


It has put me off - are they referring to the school or the government's policies. If I get there and dont know I'll just tell them rather than winging it.

lauzellen

Hi - I am a teacher and besides healthy eating one particularly important legislation you should maybe look up is "Every Child Matters" which is governmental and implemented by all schools. I don't expect you will be expected to know it in detail but would recommend you know the 5 aims or principles and when this was implemented. This website lists them and covers what you may be expected to know... http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/information/ - the healthy eating campaign partially stems from this Every Child Matters legislation. Also you will need a CRB check so you are aware.

I hope that is of some help x

LittleVoice

The policies/codes are mentioned in the job description. What does the person specification say about these? Sometimes knowledge is "Desirable" rather than "Essential" at the time of appointment.

Oldernotwiser

PasturesNew wrote: »

That would always put me off. You don't know what they mean if you're not an insider already.

I would think that anyone going for an interview for a job in an educational setting who wasn't aware of child protection and equal opportunity issues would be at a great disadvantage. These permeate the whole of working life in this and similar employment areas.

Another thought - the inclusion agenda, related to equal opps and equally important.

OP, whenever your interview is, you've got time to read up this sort of thing on the internet; it might also be worthwhile picking up a copy of the TES, or reading it online.

lauzellen

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I would think that anyone going for an interview for a job in an educational setting who wasn't aware of child protection and equal opportunity issues would be at a great disadvantage. These permeate the whole of working life in this and similar employment areas.

Another thought - the inclusion agenda, related to equal opps and equally important.

OP, whenever your interview is, you've got time to read up this sort of thing on the internet; it might also be worthwhile picking up a copy of the TES, or reading it online.

I completely agree - i very much doubt they will expect you to have a detailed knowledge but simply to be aware that these policies exist, particularly ECM (Every Child Matters) and Inclusion.

stressedoutmum

Thanks everyone so far I've got info on

1. Safeguarding children/child protection

2. Equal opportunities

2. Every Child Matters (ECM):
Be healthy
Stay safe
Enjoy and achieve
Make a positive contribution
Achieve economic well-being

3. BSF - Building Schools for the Future

4. Healthy Eating

5. School's own policies from their website: attendance, uniform etc

Should that cover it? Its 2 interviews and a written task - should take 1.5-2 hours.

Not been for an interview for 15 years so extremely nervous.

thanks

Oldernotwiser

It sounds as though you've covered the most important bases. You really need to understand the ethos of these policies rather than chapter and verse of the detail. It might also be worth thinking about how these policies might affect someone working in the support areas of the school and perhaps think through some examples, in case you're asked for any.