How to prepare for an interview for an SEN(D) role

Recruiters and schools who work with us suggested the following questions as the first ones to think about before attending an interview…

• ‘How would you ensure equal experiences exist in and out of your classroom?’ David Liam Rylance, EdStaff
• ‘Tell me about your experience with children with [a particular special need] and how you have supported their learning.’ Luke Elliott, Teacher

These go to the heart of what makes SEN(D) education different – it is focused on ensuring that children with special needs are given equal opportunity to learning.

(If you have had relevant experience, think about answering these questions using a model such as STAR – outline a particular Situation you were in, explain the T ask you had to do, describe the Actions you took and share the Results of your actions.)

As with all interviews you should also expect to be asked to talk through your work experience and qualifications, as well as explaining why you applied for the job and why you want to work for that school. You might also be asked about your strengths (focus on those related to the job such as your listening ability) and weaknesses (focus on something that you are working on such as IT skills or read our longer article here! ) and how you cope with stressful situations.

What specific questions will I be asked for SEN teaching roles?

If you are applying for a job that involves technical SEN roles, you should expect to be tested on these – for example how you would test someone to find out if they had a special need such as dyslexia. You should also be able to explain the process behind supporting a child with special needs – for example how to create or use an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

If you are a teacher and the role you are applying for involves teaching as well as SEN responsibilities, you can expect to be asked to plan and deliver a lesson, as well as to reflect on it.

What specific questions will I be asked for SEN teaching assistant roles?

For teaching assistant roles, especially those at entry level, schools will be more interested in your attitude to and experience with children, and what you have learned from this – for example how you coped when first left alone with a child. You might also be asked about your understanding of special education, what it offers children and the qualities needed to work in a SEN role.

Will I be asked about safeguarding?

Whatever role you are applying for in a school, there will definitely be safeguarding questions – these will focus on the latest version of the Government’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) document , which you should read through before the interview if you have not been trained on it recently. You should also read the school’s safeguarding policy which will be on their website.

In practice, questions will usually focus on how you would respond to children who were worried or distressed, and what you would do if you had concerns about how children were treated by other students or adults.

Should I ask questions?

Remember that an interview is also an opportunity for you to see if you would fit well within the school, so it is always a good idea to ask one or two questions. For an SEN role it might be appropriate to ask more about the day-to-day role or team you would be working in, or to ask about the training, development or promotion opportunities available.

For more information and advice, read our more detailed articles

• 25 Common SEN interview questions (and how to answer them)
• 16 Interview Questions for an SEN Teaching Assistant

Updated: Feb 24