Working in Special Educational Needs (SEND) isn’t just a role, it’s a passion. It’s about showing up for the children who need us the most, often when they’re at their most vulnerable. As someone who recruits in this space every day, I’ve seen firsthand how the right people can transform lives, classrooms, and futures.
If you’re preparing for an SEN interview, here are a few tips on how to shine and give yourself the best chance to step into a new role where you can truly make an impact.
1. Know the Setting and Believe in Their Mission
Before your interview, do more than skim the school’s website. Dive deep into their ethos and values as well as the following:
- What’s their specialist focus – autism, SEMH, PMLD?
- How do they talk about their students, families, and approach?
- What values speak to you, and how does your experience align?
SEN schools don’t just want qualified staff; they want team members who believe in their ethos and who’ll roll up their sleeves with purpose and heart.
2. Let Your Compassion and Resilience Speak Louder Than Buzzwords
SEN interviews often go straight to the heart of the work:
- “How do you build trust with a child who’s been let down before?”
- “What’s your approach when a child is overwhelmed and can’t verbalise why?”
These aren’t just test questions, they’re snapshots of the emotional realities you’ll face day to day. Be honest. Be human. And most of all don’t be afraid to show how much you care.
3. Back Passion with Practice
Emotion matters but so does evidence. Schools need to know you hold the right qualifications and you’re experienced, so be ready with:
- Techniques you’ve used: PECs, Makaton, sensory circuits
- Times you collaborated with therapists, parents, or external agencies
- Practical examples of working to EHCPs or behaviour plans
Show that you’re not just passionate, you’re prepared.
4. Understand Your Role as a Safeguard and Advocate
Even the most nurturing candidates can falter if they’re not safeguarding-aware. Expect to discuss:
- What you’d do if a student informed you, they were being harmed or at risk if harm
- Your understanding of the SEND Code of Practice
- How you support inclusive practice and uphold dignity for all learners
You don’t need to quote the legislation, but you do need to understand the weight of your responsibility.
5. Ask Questions That Show You’re Committed for the Long Haul
All SEN settings will want to know you’re not just job-hopping. Make sure that you ask questions which will put their mind at rest, examples include:
- “What does great practice look like here?”
- “How do you support staff who may be emotionally impacted by this work?”
- “What kind of professional development is available?”
Questions like these, show emotional investment and that you are not just interested in teaching, but to want to progress and grow, as well as contributing and wanting to belong to a school.
Interview prep can be daunting, especially when you care deeply about getting a role. But remember this: schools aren’t looking for perfect they’re looking for someone that is their self, and that bring both knowledge and heart into a classroom.
The right SEN role changes lives’ yours included.
