V1.1
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the teaching assistant apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Teaching assistant 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 teaching assistant. 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 2 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are:
Assessment method 1 - observation with questions:
Assessment method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
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 10 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. Evidence included in the portfolio should be anonymised prior to submission.
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 observation with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice in their workplace. The apprentice completes their day-to-day duties under normal working conditions. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method through naturally occurring evidence. The independent assessor asks questions as explained below. Simulation is not permitted during the observation.
The observation and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade.
This assessment method is being used because an in-person, live observation of the apprentice's practice is the most valid way to assess competence in the KSBs. The independent assessor will observe the apprentice interacting with other professionals and learners, and is the most appropriate way to assess a teaching occupation. This method can occur during the apprentice's normal work day, therefore reducing the impact for the employer. The duration of the observation allows the apprentice to demonstrate the mapped KSBs, and allows the apprentice to be observed working in a range of contexts, in line with their normal practice (for example supporting whole classes, small groups, or individuals).
The observation 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.
The independent assessor conducts and assesses the observation with questions.
The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice to ensure quality and rigour and they must be as unobtrusive as possible.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks notice of the observation.
The observation with questioning must take 110 minutes over the same day.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the observation by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.
The observation may be split into discrete sections held on the same working day.
EPAOs 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 during the working day.
The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the observation before it begins. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor should observe the following during the observation:
The independent assessor must observe the apprentice working directly with a learner or a group of learners, either in the classroom or in an intervention. Observations may include set up of the learning environment and time post lesson/intervention to include learner and staff interaction, in addition to observation of the teaching. The apprentice must be observed for a total of 110 minutes including 20 minutes of questioning.
The observation may be split into discrete sessions held on the same working day to reflect the normal practice of the apprentice in their setting. The minimum time a discrete session can be is 15 minutes.
These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The purpose of the questions is to clarify observations made by the independent assessor during the observation section of this assessment method, and to capture further evidence against the KSBs that has not been directly observed.
Questions must be asked after the observation. The total duration of the observation assessment method is 110 minutes and the time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The total time for the observation element is 90 minutes. The time allocated for questioning is 20 minutes. The independent assessor must ask at least 4 questions. 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 must ask questions about KSBs that were not observed to gather assessment evidence. These questions are in addition to the set number of questions for the observation and should be kept to a minimum. The independent assessor can also ask questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice.
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 observation with questions must take place in the apprentice’s normal place of work (for example their employer’s premises or a customer’s premises). Equipment and resources needed for the observation must be provided by the employer and be in good and safe working condition.
Questioning that occurs after the observation should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
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. The EPAO 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 observation with questions:
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 assessment method is being used because it allows the assessment of KSBs that may not naturally occur in every workplace or may take too long to observe to be assessed, such as interaction with parents or other professionals. The method can be conducted remotely or on the same day as the observation therefore providing value for money.
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 draw out contextualised examples, further clarify knowledge, skills and behaviours demonstrated in a portfolio of evidence, and to assess the apprentice against the following themes:
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 90 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 10 questions. 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 underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
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 determines the apprenticeship grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the: observation with questions and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence in line with this EPA plan.
The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.
If the apprentice fails one or more assessment methods, they will be awarded an overall EPA fail.
To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice should achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA ‘merit,’ the apprentice must achieve a pass in one assessment method and a distinction in the other method.To achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction,’ the apprentice must achieve a distinction in both assessment 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 merit 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:
The EPAO must also:
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Standard, end-point assessment plan and funding have been revised | 06/05/2023 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 26/06/2018 | 05/05/2023 |
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