V1.2
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the sports turf operative apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Sports turf operative apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).
A full-time apprentice typically spends 18 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a sports turf operative. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.
This EPA has 4 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are:
Assessment method 1 - multiple choice knowledge test paper a:
Assessment method 2 - multiple choice knowledge test paper b:
Assessment method 3 - practical assessment with questions:
Assessment method 4 - professional discussion supported by a portfolio and a supplementary questions and answers session during a facility walk:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.
The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA starts as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think their apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
These are:
Portfolio of evidence requirements:
The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 15 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.
Evidence sources may include:
This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.
The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion . The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.
The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.
The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.
In the multiple choice knowledge test paper a, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because it:
The multiple choice knowledge test paper a must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The test can be computer or paper based.
The test will consist of 30 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.
The apprentice must be given at least 14 days’ notice of the date and time of the test.
The apprentice must have 45 minutes to complete the test.
The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.
The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.
The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example, with 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
The EPAO is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the test.
The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.
A correct answer gets 1 mark.
Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test.
The apprentice must take the test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.
The test can take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the test:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In the multiple choice knowledge test paper b, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because it:
The scope of the paper will cover the 'common names' only for:
Weeds
1. Daisy
2. Dandelion
3. Yarrow
4. Mosses
5. Procumbent pearlwort
6. White clover
7. Greater (Broad leaved) plantain
8. Ribwort (Narrow leaved) plantain
9. Knotgrass
10. Creeping buttercup
11. Creeping cinquefoil
12. Slender speedwell
Turf Pests
1. Cockchafer grub (Insect)
2. Earthworm
3. Leatherjacket grub
4. Nematode
Diseases
1. Anthracnose (Basal Rot)
2. Leaf Spot
3. Fairy rings - (Type 1 or Type 2 or Type 3) – (acceptable example of a correct Genus name only required, e.g. Type 1: Marasmius spp; Type 2: Lycoperdon spp; Type 3: Hygrophorus spp).
4. Microdochium (Fusarium) patch
5. Red thread
6. Take-all patch
Turf Disorders
1. Fertiliser scorch
2. Hydraulic oil scorch
3. Black layer
4. Drought.
The test must contain questions on weeds, turf pests, diseases, and turf disorders. .
The multiple choice knowledge test paper b must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The test can be computer or paper based.
The test will consist of 20 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.
The apprentice must be given at least 14 days’ notice of the date and time of the test.
The apprentice must have 25 minutes to complete the test.
The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.
The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.
The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example, with 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
The EPAO is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the test.
The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.
A correct answer gets 1 mark.
Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test.
The apprentice must take the test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.
The test can take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the test:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because:
The practical assessment with questions must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the practical assessment with questions.
The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the . practical assessment with questions
The practical assessment with questions must take 3.25 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment with questions by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.
The practical assessment with questions cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks or to allow apprentices to move from one location to another. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.
The EPAO must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations.
The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical assessment with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:
Task 1
Calibrate and apply one material to a sports turf surface
Task 2
Set up and mow sports turf to specification using a cylinder mower
Task 3
Prepare, operate and use an attachment on a tractor (including a 3 point linkage and trailed implement)
Task 4
Set and mark out a sports turf surface (this does not have to be a full sports field).
These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The independent assessor must ask questions. to assess and confirm knowledge and understanding of the apprentice and ensure full coverage of the KSBs. Questions can be asked during the practical assessments. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 4 questions for tasks 1 to 4 (at least 1 for each task). Follow-up questions are allowed to check further understanding and for clarification. Follow-up questions may be developed by the independent assessor.
Questioning must occur during the practical assessment. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time.
The independent assessor must ask at least 4 questions during the practical assessment. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural breaks in work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training.
The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical assessment with questions.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the practical assessment and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The practical assessment with questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises. The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment with questions must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.
Additional venue requirements that must be in place include:
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment with questions:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.
This assessment method is being used because it:
The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to test knowledge and understanding of the themes mapped to this method.
The professional discussion supported with a portfolio and the supplementary questions then carried out during a facility walk will last 60 minutes in total and consist of 2 parts.
The first part will take place in a room free from distractions and the second part (supplementary questions and answers) will take place alongside a facility walk. Travel time between locations will not count towards the total duration; the clock will be stopped. This length of time should allow for all relevant parts of the facility to be visited.
The independent assessor will determine an outline of the areas of the facility they need to visit following part 1.
Part 1
In the first 20 minutes of the assessment, the independent assessor will conduct the discussion in a room free from distractions and allow the apprentice to refer to their portfolio. They will also agree on a route through the facility in the preparation for the supplementary questions carried out during a facility walk.
Part 2
The Independent Assessor will then ask supplementary questions whilst walking around the pre-selected areas of the facility on a one-to-one basis with the apprentice (it is not necessary to visit the whole facility). This will last 40 minutes.
Part 1 and part 2 will cover the following 4 distinct work themes/ discussion points in total.
The apprentice is required to identify 5 grass types during part 1 of the professional discussion. Follow-up questions relating to grass types may also be asked during part 2 of the professional discussion (the apprentice may be asked to identify venue-specific grasses during the facility walk).
1. Maintenance, renovation, and repair - they will discuss how they have prepared ground and established grassed areas for sport (e.g. overseeding or turfing) as well as how they have carried out the repair of the sports turf surface.
2. Inspect a sports turf surface - they will need to identify the relevant turfgrasses, discuss the status and condition of the surface, and highlight any issues or areas of work they have previously carried out on that turf. They will provide the assessor with observations regarding weeds, pests, diseases, etc and relate this to the relevant KSB's
3. Irrigation and drainage - the candidate will be expected to explain any activity within their portfolio that they have carried out on the irrigation and drainage system, discuss the layout and purpose of the system, and how to apply techniques to use it effectively.
4. Grass types - identification of 5 grass types, including:
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 7 weeks to review the supporting documentation.
The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The professional discussion must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 12 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion supported by a portfolio and a supplementary questions and answers session during a facility walk:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
The assessment methods contribute equally to the overall EPA pass grade.
Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:
Independent assessors must individually grade the: practical assessment with questions and professional discussion supported by a portfolio and a supplementary questions and answers session during a facility walk according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.
EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.
An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method will be awarded an overall EPA fail.
An apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods to get an overall pass. A merit will be awarded if the apprentice achieves 1 pass and 3 distinction grades over the 4 methods. An overall distinction will be awarded if the candidate achieves a distinction in all 4 methods.
Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method(s) can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does.
An apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.
The employer and EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.
Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.
Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.
An apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to how the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section and:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | Standard and end-point assessment revised. | 03/06/2024 | Not set |
| 1.1 | Standard, end-point assessment and funding band revised. | 01/03/2023 | 02/06/2024 |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 19/09/2016 | 28/02/2023 |
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