If you’re applying for Teaching Assistant roles — especially in SEN settings — your CV or application is your first impression. It’s also your chance to prove to a busy school leader that you’re not just experienced, but effective.
But here’s the problem: too many CVs say things like:
“Provided one-to-one support to children that required additional intervention.”
This kind of statement is vague and forgettable. It doesn’t show what you actually did, how you did it, or whether you made a difference.
So how do you stand out?
🎯 Use the STAR Technique to Show Impact
The STAR technique is a simple structure that helps you explain what you’ve done in a way that is clear, specific, and results-focused.
STAR stands for:
Situation – What was going on?
Task – What did you need to do?
Action – What did you do?
Result – What changed because of it?
🛑 Vague vs Clear: Real Examples
Let’s rewrite some common vague CV lines using STAR.
❌ Vague:
“Supported a pupil with SEMH needs.”
✅ Improved using STAR:
In a Year 6 class, I supported a pupil with SEMH who struggled to stay in lessons. I built a 1:1 routine with visual prompts, short movement breaks and check-ins. Over the term, their classroom engagement increased from 20% to 80%, reducing exclusions.
❌ Vague:
“Helped with classroom behaviour management.”
✅ Improved using STAR:
In a mixed Year 4 class, behaviour incidents disrupted learning daily. I implemented a Class Dojo reward system, tracked triggers, and used positive reinforcement consistently. Within 3 weeks, behaviour points reduced by 50% and the teacher noted improved learning focus.
❌ Vague:
“Worked with SEN children to help with literacy.”
✅ Improved using STAR:
Supported two Year 3 pupils with dyslexia using phonics games, sentence starters, and weekly reading challenges. After 6 weeks, both improved their reading age by 6 months and participated more confidently in group tasks.
✍️ How to Apply This to Your Own CV or Application
List 3–5 specific experiences where you made an impact — e.g., progress made, behaviour improved, confidence boosted.
Write each example in STAR format. If you're short on space, summarise the Result in one strong sentence.
Avoid passive phrases like "involved in", "helped with", or "responsible for". Instead, start with action verbs: implemented, supported, delivered, created, adapted, improved.
🔐 Bonus: What Schools Are Really Looking For
Schools aren’t just looking for generic experience — they’re looking for someone who can:
Build strong relationships with SEN pupils
Work flexibly and independently
Communicate effectively with teachers and therapists
Use strategies that actually work
Your CV or application should prove these things — not just list duties.
📢 Final Tip
“Could someone with no experience have written this?”
If the answer is yes — you need to rewrite it using STAR.
Applications not getting you interviews? Need help getting this right? Contact Senovo and we can help.
