AP03
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the bespoke saddler apprentices. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering their EPA.
Bespoke saddler 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 24 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a bespoke saddler. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must spend at least 20% of their on-programme time completing off-the-job training.
This EPA has 3 EPA methods.
The grades available for each EPA method are:
EPA method 1 - written paper:
EPA method 2 - practical skills test:
EPA method 3 - professional discussion:
The result from each EPA method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
The EPA will be taken within the EPA period. The EPA period begins when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements are met and is typically 2 months.
The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements are met and the EPA begins as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard as a bespoke saddler. They will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.
Apprentices must meet the following gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
These are:
Portfolio of evidence requirements:
Apprentices must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. The portfolio of evidence will typically contain 20 discrete pieces of evidence (must contain a finished Saddle and Bridle). Evidence should 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 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. Independent assessors should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion assessment method. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
Apprentices must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.
The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms all gateway requirements have been met. The expectation is they will do this as quickly as possible.
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 test, 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 EPA method is being used because:
The test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The written paper can be computer or paper based.
The written paper must consist of 20 short response written questions. Short answer questions need a written response.
There must be at least one question per knowledge statement:
The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks notice of the date and time of the written paper.
The apprentice must have 75 minutes to complete the test.
The written paper is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.
The written paper must be taken in the presence of an invigilator under the responsibility of the EPAO.
The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the written paper 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 is responsible for the security of the written paper including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the written paper.
The written paper 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 type supports this.
The EPAO must develop a marking scheme based on the grading descriptors for this assessment method. The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the written paper. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of the written paper tests.
The apprentice must take the written paper 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 written paper may take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
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 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 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 written paper:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.
In a practical assessment, the independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place. The test environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment.
The practical assessment and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade.
This EPA method is being used because this is a practical occupation. The primary function of this role is to manufacture and alter saddlery products so it is important to observe the correct processes are implemented and a high quality finish is achieved.
The practical skills test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The practical skills test with questions must take 4 hours, refer to guide times for approximation of times to complete each task. The times referred represent the maximum time allowed for the practical skills test and questions
The independent assessor conducts and assesses the practical skills test.
The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice to ensure quality and rigour they must be as unobtrusive as possible.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks notice of the practical skills test.
The practical skills test must take 4 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical skills test by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.
The practical skills test 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.
EPAOs must manage invigilation of the apprentice at during the assessment maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations during the working day.
The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical skills test before it begins. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor should observe the following during the practical assessment.
the following tasks must be observed during the practical assessment.
These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
Questions must be asked. to probe the depth and breadth of the underpinning knowledge of the apprentice whilst they demonstrate the practical skills.
Questioning can occur during the practical assessment. The time for questions asked during the practical assessment is included in the overall assessment time.
Independent assessors must ask at least 5 questions during the practical assessment. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessors should ask questions during natural breaks in work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. Follow-up questions are allowed. 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.
The independent assessor can ask questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical skills test and should be kept to a minimum.
The independent assessor must record the KSBs observed, KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions and the grade achieved. The apprentice’s answers to questions must also be recorded.
The independent assessor makes all grading decisions.
The practical skills test will 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 skills test 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 venue must provide the required tools, materials and set-up/workbench.
a realistic working environment must be provided at the assessment centre if the assessment is not undertaken at the employer's premises.
The EPAO must write an assessment specification and question bank. The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. EPAOs should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. The assessment specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The EPAO must develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place. For example, considering standardisation, training and moderation. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.
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 practical skills test:
In the discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their competency across the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.
This EPA method is being used because:
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 clarify the apprentice’s understanding and the themes that are listed in the grading descriptors.
The professional discussion (underpinned by a portfolio) will synoptically assess the knowledge, skills and behaviours elements of the standard as mapped to this method. The apprentice will also reflect on their on-programme development (using the mandatory portfolio of evidence for reference).
The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 2 week(s) 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 15 questions, typically three questions per theme:
Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required. 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 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 can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
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 should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting 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 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:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, 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: written paper, practical skills test and professional discussion 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. To achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction,’ apprentices must achieve a distinction in practical assessment with questions and professional discussion (underpinned by portfolio), and a pass in the written test
Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
Apprentices who fail one or more EPA method(s) can take a re-sit or a re-take at the 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.
Apprentices 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 5 months of the EPA outcome notification.
Failed EPA 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 apprentices 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 EPAOs ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. EPAOs must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section and:
Society of Master Saddlers (SMS)
independent assessors should be master saddlers, qualified by profession and have proven experience in the field of work based learning training and/or educational assessment. all independent assessors must have qualifications and experience as outlined in the points below.
mandatory requirements – bespoke saddler independent assessor:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
This apprenticeship standard is designed to prepare successful apprentices to meet the requirements for registration as an:
Intermediate Saddler with The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS)
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Standard, funding band and end-point assessment plan revised | 22/07/2022 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 27/06/2017 | 21/07/2022 |
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