Preparing for Your SEND Tutor Interview: A Guide to Success

We’re passionate about supporting the most vulnerable young people in education, and we’re always excited to connect with tutors who share that commitment. If you’ve secured an interview, whether with us or another organisation, congratulations! To help you prepare and make a strong impression, we’ve created this guide highlighting key areas to reflect on. 

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1. Reflect on Your Approach to Working with Vulnerable Young People

Our tutors work with young people facing a variety of social, emotional, and behavioural barriers. Being trauma-informed and taking a child-centred approach are essential.

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Consider:

• How do you connect with a young person beyond their academic profile?
• Can you recall a moment where a student made progress that wasn’t purely academic, perhaps emotionally, behaviourally, or socially?
  What strategies do you use when a student is disengaged, withdrawn, or exhibiting challenging behaviour?
  
  

2. Share Your Experience Supporting Young People with Complex Needs

We’re looking for tutors who are resilient, empathetic, and skilled in working with learners who may have high-level or complex needs.

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Consider:

• Have you worked with students who faced multiple challenges, such as SEN, trauma, or school refusal?
• How did you build a positive relationship and establish trust?
  What progress did you help them achieve, academically, emotionally, or behaviourally?
  
  

3. Demonstrate Your Safeguarding Awareness

Safeguarding isn’t just a policy at Targeted Provision, it’s part of our ethos. We need tutors who understand the principles of safeguarding and are confident in applying them.

Consider:

• What are your responsibilities if a student makes a disclosure?
• Who would you contact, and what details would you record?
  
  

Want a real sense of what tutoring with us looks like? Take a look at our case studies to see how our tutors make a difference every day. It’s a great way to familiarise yourself with the work we do and to see how your own experience aligns with our values.

Final Thoughts

Interviewing for a role with Targeted Provision, or any organisation supporting vulnerable young people, is your chance to demonstrate more than just your teaching ability. It’s an opportunity to show your empathy, flexibility, and dedication to making a real difference.

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Take time to reflect, prepare meaningful examples, and most importantly, be yourself.

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Good luck, we’re rooting for you!

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Looking to learn more about becoming a SEN tutor? Explore our latest blogs for helpful insights and guidance.

Thinking about your next role? Browse our live opportunities and see how you could make a difference.

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