This post forms part of our series on teacher recruitment. One of the questions you can almost guarantee being asked is a variation on "Tell us about yourself". In 2023 and 2024 schools are facing significant challenges in recruitment. However they are unlikely to be willing to reduce the standard of the teachers they will… Continue reading How to Answer the Interview Question: Tell us about yourself?
Tag: teaching
Best Practice for Communicating with Autistic Children
Best Practices for Communicating with Autistic Children for ECTS When it comes to education and early years development for children who have a diagnosis of autism, simple techniques and strategies can be the most effective. In fact, we often overlook the basics because we tend to overcomplicate things when communicating with autistic children. In this… Continue reading Best Practice for Communicating with Autistic Children
Heuristic Play: Enhancing Physical Development in the EYFS and beyond
Heuristic Play and EYFS The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework sets standards for the learning and development of children from birth to five in the United Kingdom. It aims to ensure that children receive high-quality education and care that helps them achieve their full potential. One of the key components of EYFS is play… Continue reading Heuristic Play: Enhancing Physical Development in the EYFS and beyond
Flow State: Applying the Theory in the SEN Classroom
What is Flow State? Flow state, as described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is a mental state of operation where a person is fully immersed in an activity, characterised by a feeling of energised focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. During the state of flow, individuals experience a sense of control over… Continue reading Flow State: Applying the Theory in the SEN Classroom
Sensory Processing: Noise Sensitivity, Causes and Solutions
What is Noise Sensitivity? Noise sensitivity is a common issue for many people. Studies suggest that anywhere from 30% to more than 90% of individuals with autism experience some form of sensory hypersensitivity or under-responsiveness, with sound sensitivity being one of the most prevalent. One of the most commonly reported sensory sensitivities is sensitivity to sounds… Continue reading Sensory Processing: Noise Sensitivity, Causes and Solutions
CPD for Better Student Outcomes: Why We Need to Prioritise Pedagogy and Address Barriers to Professional Development
This CPD focussed post is based on the recent DFE publication The Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders - Wave 1. This was published in April 2023. Satisfaction and Impact of CPD in Schools 2023 It's heartening to see that the majority of ECTs feel satisfied with their initial teacher training, but they do feel… Continue reading CPD for Better Student Outcomes: Why We Need to Prioritise Pedagogy and Address Barriers to Professional Development
3 Must-Read Leadership Books for School Leaders: Essential Takeaways
Applying Leadership Lessons to School Leadership On my leadership journey I have read various leadership books and the insights they provide for aspiring or existing school leaders. Leadership is a critical aspect of any school. School leaders play a vital role, and have accountability for ensuring that their schools are successful in achieving their goals.… Continue reading 3 Must-Read Leadership Books for School Leaders: Essential Takeaways
A Quick Guide to Completing a School Leadership Personal Statement
Writing a School Leadership Application that will get you an Interview Completing a school leadership personal statement and application form can be a daunting task. With time invested in preparation and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of being selected for the role. I recommend signing up to the Key for School Leaders… Continue reading A Quick Guide to Completing a School Leadership Personal Statement
Preparing for an Interview in a School
Preparing for an interview for a school can be a daunting experience, but by following these steps, you can ensure that you present yourself in the best possible light to secure the job you want. One of the things we are not good at in schools is facilitating candidates to give the best possible answers.… Continue reading Preparing for an Interview in a School
Play Your Way to Better Self-Regulation: Tips and Strategies
Teaching self-regulation skills to children with SEN is a vital part of their education. It also presents real challenges depending on the complexity of their needs. Pre-Verbal children or those with communication difficulties need our constant focus on this. Many of our children have disorganised nervous systems that are always seeking out sensory stimulation to… Continue reading Play Your Way to Better Self-Regulation: Tips and Strategies
Unlock the Potential of Play: Maximising Joy, Learning Outcomes & Play Types
What is Play? While there are various definitions of play, there is no consensus on its characteristics. Some commonly cited characteristics include enjoyment, focus on process over product, and freedom from external rules. However, even heavily theorized definitions can draw on completely different characteristics. The elusiveness of play's definition has been attributed to its ambiguity… Continue reading Unlock the Potential of Play: Maximising Joy, Learning Outcomes & Play Types
Adaptive Teaching In a Special School
What is Adaptive Teaching? Adaptive teaching is an approach that teachers use to meet the learning needs of all students, regardless of their background or learning ability. The goal is to respond to each student's strengths and weaknesses. A key element is to overcome any barriers to learning that may arise. I have seen the… Continue reading Adaptive Teaching In a Special School
Developing Communication Skills For Pupils in The Classroom
One of the most significant challenges for teachers supporting children with a diagnosis of Autism is the development of language skills. This is not necessarily verbal communication. As teachers we seek to develop communication to a point where the child can intentionally communicate with as wide a range of people as possible. Yes - this… Continue reading Developing Communication Skills For Pupils in The Classroom
How Can Being Part of a Community Improve Wellbeing?
Today, we're diving into the topic of why a special school is more than just an educational institution, but a vibrant and supportive community. At my school (SEN), we believe that fostering a sense of community is crucial in creating an inclusive and empowering environment for our students. It's important to first clarify the vision… Continue reading How Can Being Part of a Community Improve Wellbeing?
Guide to Writing a Personal Statement for a Teaching Assistant Post
A key part of the application process for a Teaching Assistant job is personal statement. A personal statement is a document that tells the panel who are doing the shortlisting about your motivations for wanting to become a Teaching Assistant. This guide will teach you how to write an effective personal statement for a Teaching… Continue reading Guide to Writing a Personal Statement for a Teaching Assistant Post
How to answer an interview question “What are the most important qualities of a teaching assistant?”
What is a Teaching Assistant? A teaching assistant is responsible for supporting pupils with special educational needs in the classroom. The main duties include working alongside classroom teachers to plan and implement lessons, providing one-on-one support to pupils, and helping to create a positive learning environment. This may be in a mainstream school, a special… Continue reading How to answer an interview question “What are the most important qualities of a teaching assistant?”
How can teachers and teaching assistants motivate pupils to learn?
Developing pupil motivation using 10 evidence based strategies. Teaching Assistants (TAs) play a vital role in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the classroom. One of the most important aspects of their work is to help these pupils develop a strong motivation to learn. This is crucial because pupils with SEN may face… Continue reading How can teachers and teaching assistants motivate pupils to learn?
Interview Questions and Answers for Teaching Assistants.
Here are 10 interview questions that you may be asked when interviewing to become a teaching assistant (TA)/learning support assistant (LSA). I have also added a potential answer to a couple of the questions. Generic answers are good for ticking boxes but to really impress the interviewer you need examples from your previous experience. If… Continue reading Interview Questions and Answers for Teaching Assistants.
A Christmas Sensory Story: Are you an Elf?
Free Christmas Sensory Story for PMLD/SLD pupils Slightly different from a more traditional sensory story Are You an Elf Christmas Sensory Story is one of our free "Dressing up" Sensory Stories. Throughout the story the learner will become an Elf. As with any activity the storyteller needs to be attuned to the learner's individual sensory… Continue reading A Christmas Sensory Story: Are you an Elf?
Leading A Team For SEN Teachers/ECTs
This post is based on "Leading a Team" training I delivered to colleagues in Kent special schools. It is aimed at ECTs, Teachers, and HLTAs. Anyone stepping up to lead a class in a special school becomes a leader of a team. This is usually of a team of Teaching or Learning Support Assistants (TA/LSA).… Continue reading Leading A Team For SEN Teachers/ECTs
You must be logged in to post a comment.