How to Prepare for a SEND School Interview

Interviews can be nerve-racking, especially when applying for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) roles in schools or specialist provisions. Use your interview as an opportunity to demonstrate your experience in SEND education, safeguarding knowledge, behaviour management, and adaptability, whilst gaining valuable insight into the school or provision, its culture, and expectations.

Preparing ahead will help alleviate any nerves and boost your confidence, giving you the best chance to succeed and make a strong first impression.

Here are our expert tips to help you feel confident and prepared for your next SEND interview.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

First impressions are crucial, particularly in SEND settings, where professionalism, empathy and good communication skills are essential.

• Even if you have been advised that it is an informal meeting or chat, prepare for a formal meeting.
• Dress code – You want to be comfortable, but smart. Ensure you are dressed appropriately for a school setting.
• Maintain eye contact, speak slowly and show enthusiasm.
• Approach the school tour as an opportunity to build rapport and demonstrate professionalism when interacting with the member of staff guiding you.

TOP TIP: Be mindful of how you interact with all staff, including office staff, students, and teachers, as this reflects your approach in a SEND environment.

RESEARCH

Do your research before the interview so you can demonstrate your commitment and why you would be a good fit for that specific school or provision.

Consider the type of setting (e.g., mainstream school with SEND support, specialist school, PRU, alternative provision) and job role you are interviewing for, and how this applies to your experience. Look at the school website and research their ethos, values and SEND policies etc. Read the job description and person specification and prepare real examples that demonstrate your experience supporting diverse learning needs. Ensure you are familiar with school safeguarding procedures and the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education and are confident discussing how you apply them in practice.

TOP TIP: They are also looking at your soft skills, such as empathy, adaptability, and creativity. Have examples ready to show how you shape learning to support individuals.

PREPARE QUESTIONS TO ASK

It is good to have some questions prepared for the interview; it shows your interest in the school and the role, as well as your career in SEND education.  Example questions:

• What does a typical day look like?
• How do you support wellbeing and behaviour?
• What training and CPD opportunities are available for SEND staff?
• What support do they offer for career progression within education?

Some of these questions may be answered during the interview, so have a few to choose from.

Top Tip: Tailor your questions to SEND specifically – for example, intervention strategies, team collaborations.

Finally, remember to relax and be yourself! Securing a new role in SEND education requires more than qualifications; it’s about demonstrating your passion, resilience, and the ability to effectively support individual needs. If you are attending a trial day, read our trial day tips here. 

If you want additional support for your SEND interview, your PS Inclusion Consultant is here to help. Contact the team on 020 3011 4848 or email hello@psinclusion.co.uk