To what class will this teacher initially be deployed? What experience does the candidate have at this level & what can they bring to this role? Is it a Special Education Post? Is it a multi-grade class? If the candidate does not have the specific experience, ask questions that will elicit their understanding of the challenges of such a role?

• Two years' experience with senior classes
• Previous experience in DEIS school
• Experience of "Incredible Years" programme
• Varied experience - 3 teacher and 15 teacher school

What continuous professional development has the candidate undertaken to develop their leadership skills? Ask for examples of where they demonstrated their capacity to lead. In terms of leadership, it is important to ascertain the candidate's understanding of the challenges of the role and the multi faceted nature of the position of principal.

• Look for evidence of a clear understanding of how the curriculum should be implemented in the context of the school plan
• Look for evidence of collaboration to support school improvement – for example, leading focus groups as part of the school self-evaluation process
• Demonstrates an awareness of the individual needs of pupils & how their potential can be maximised
• Demonstrated a reflective approach and a willingness to engage in & promote CPD
  
  

The interview panel should be familiar with the provisions of the SNA scheme and the specific competencies and requirements of the post. What is the candidate's understanding of the role - particularly in relation to how that role interacts with the role of the class teacher, the Special Education Teacher etc.? As well as assessing their understanding of the role in general terms, their knowledge of the specific care requirements of the post should also be assessed.

• Clear understanding of individual and collective roles
• Experience of ASD unit role, as well as mainstream class support
• Demonstrated knowledge of inclusion strategies and integration techniques.
• Previous care needs experience: catheterisation; insulin pump management

A candidate should be given the opportunity to communicate responses clearly. Specific questions on how a candidate would deal with a suggested scenario, will give the interviewers a further opportunity to assess their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

• Staff Difficulty -suggested approaches clearly articulated
• Ideas and views ably communicated
• Example given of challenging situation with parent

What is the candidate's understanding of the characteristic spirit of the school, and how do they view their role in upholding the ethos of the school?

• Clear understanding of characteristic spirit
• Has experience with relevant programme

How will whole school planning and whole school initiatives inform classroom planning? Where there are specific initiatives established in the school (e.g. for numeracy and literacy), assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the initiatives, and their willingness to support whole school priorities.