End-Point Assessment Organisations EPAOs - Apprenticeship Training Material - Pathway Group.ppt
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End point assessment organizations (EPAOs) administer the independent end point assessments for apprenticeships. EPAOs ensure apprentices have gained the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors outlined in each apprenticeship standard. Ofqual regulates EPAOs for most apprenticeships, while the Office for Students regulates degree apprenticeship assessments. EPAOs use a variety of assessment methods, such as practical assessments, interviews, tests, and projects, to evaluate apprentices at the end of their training.
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End-Point Assessment Organisations EPAOs - Apprenticeship Training Material - Pathway Group.ppt
- 1. End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAO’s)
- 2. Introduction to the End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOS) and their role within the apprenticeship standard © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 3. What is in End Point Assessment Organisation? End-point assessment (EPA) is an independent assessment that takes place at the end of the apprenticeship training. All apprentices must achieve all elements of their EPA to pass their apprenticeship in full. To apply to be an EPAO you must be apply via the APAR EPAOS are regulated by Ofqual © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 4. Why have EPAOs – Not just a exam? Exams will test knowledge, EPAs are a full assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours they have learnt and applied throughout their learning journey EPAO’s were introduced with standards. This is to test that the apprentice is occupationally competent in their occupation. Up to 20% of the total funding of an apprenticeship can be spent on the EPA process. © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 5. Timeline for EPAOs Ideally the EPAO is selected when the learner is enrolled An EPA guide is provided to the learner at the start and reviewed throughout Employers should be aware of the EPA and discussed in tripartite reviews Learners should be working towards their targeted EPA grade Mock assessments should be completed Gateway requirements must be met © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 6. What is ‘Gateway’ Sits between the end of training and the beginning of the assessment period when the EPA will take place. The employer and training provider will review their apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours to see if they are ready to take their EPA. Review takes place near the end of an apprenticeship to make sure the apprentice has completed the mandatory aspects of the apprenticeship and is ready to take their assessment. Apprentices must meet the gateway requirements set out in the assessment plan before taking their EPA. © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 7. Reasonable Adjustment and Special Considerations As with all assessments/examinations reasonable adjustments can be requested. The most common are: All EPAO’s will have their own policies which should be followed Changes to exam papers, for example, large print or braille Help with specific tasks, for example, another person might read questions to you or they might write your dictated answers Extra time to complete assessments © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 8. Quality Assurance Ofqual is responsible for making sure that: • regulated EPAs reliably indicate the knowledge, skills and understanding apprentices have demonstrated • assessments show what an apprentice has achieved • apprentices and employers have confidence in the assessments that Ofqual regulates • EPAs are delivered in accordance with the requirements of each apprenticeship’s assessment plan • Ofqual do not quality assure degree apprenticeships © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 9. Quality Assurance - Degree Apprenticeships The Office for Student (OfS) is responsible for making sure that: • Assessments are reliable and effective and show that an apprentice has achieved occupational competence and achieved the knowledge, skills and behaviours required • EPAs are delivered in a fair, consistent and robust way across different apprenticeship standards © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 11. How to select an EPAO • Providers will often make recommendations • Speak to other providers/attend conferences • There is a list of EPAOs on the .gov website • Recognised awarding bodies are also EPAOs and are often chosen because of this © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 12. Let's discuss… What factors do you think should be considered? © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 13. Decision Time! Invite 2-3 to a meeting to discuss the detail See if you can get feedback from any other providers Don’t feel you need to use them for all standards Negotiate your rates Be ready to discuss numbers Sign contracts Book training for admin / quality staff Ensure your MIS / contracts etc have all the correct details on (the cost of the EPA is a removed before your total negotiated price) © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 14. Build a Relationship with the EPAO Ensure meetings are arranged with your Account Manager Request data if required If your finding the process difficult, slow or not as promised speak to them to find a solution Pre-book slots especially at busier times Manage your pass, merit, distinction and fail rates closely If your results are not as expected arrange a meeting to discuss Speak to them at exhibitions – get to know them Ask for advice and help if you need it Shout about successes and praise tutors for their contribution © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 15. Understanding the EPAO process and its significance
- 16. EPA Process If the learner fails any element of the EPA a negotiation between the provider, learner and employer will take place. Awareness and commitment Enrolment and start Creating the portfolio of evidence and Quality Assurance 3 way discussion and sign off for entering gateway Provider to submit paperwork (via portal) to EPAO EPAO will liaise apprentice to book EPA Apprentice completes assessment Certification © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 17. The Portfolio of Evidence Written assignments Tests/assessments Photo/video evidence Discussions Witness testimonies and statements from manager/mentor Certificates © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 18. Quality Assurance Summative and formative assessments Feedback to tutors Internal & External Quality Assurance Processes © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 19. The End Point Assessment There are different types of assessments that need to be achieved Practical assessment Interview Project Written and/or multiple- choice test Presentation © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 20. Example 1 – People Professional Level 5 © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 21. Example 1 – People Professional Level 5 © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 22. Example 1 – People Professional Level 5 © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 23. Example 1 – People Professional Level 5 © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 24. Example 2 – Senior People Professional Level 7 © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 25. Example 2 – Senior People Professional © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 26. Example 2 – Senior People Professional © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 27. Example 2 – Senior People Professional © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 28. Example 3 – Senior People Professional Level 7 © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 29. Example 3 – Senior People Professional Level 7 © Pathway Group | E & OE
- 30. Review EPAOs are independent and are treated as such Quality Assurance is overseen by OfS and Ofqual The IfATE contains information relating to: • The occupations for people undertaking the standard • The list of K,S,B’s • The assessment methods for EPA • The professional recognition is needed © Pathway Group | E & OE
Editor's Notes
- Introduce section
- You will notice in this section that we expand on some parts, especially awarding bodies from previous sessions as we look into their specific roles within apprenticeships. If you are an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO), also known as an awarding body, and you carry out assessments for apprentices in England, you must be on the apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR). APAR replaces the former register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO). The APAR is a record of organisations that can: undertake end-point assessments for the standards you are approved to assess receive government funding to train apprentices Once your organisation is on the APAR, it is eligible to perform relevant end-point assessments for apprenticeships. Being on the APAR does not mean your organisation is recommended by ESFA or DfE and you cannot use their logos or branding. Like with all government funded provision EPAOs are highly regulated, which we will delve into in the next few slides .
- The introduction standards, the assessment against KSBs and the role of the EPAO was a huge change for apprenticeships. When standards were introduced a lot of them didn’t have approved EPOAs and so providers often having to make a lot of assumptions and judgements about the end point assessment process Originally EPOAs were charging the full 20% as there was little known about their function and support etc. Over time more EPAOs have entered the market making them more competitive and provide a lot more support and guidance to providers. The end-point assessment is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that demonstrate the occupational competence required for the apprenticeship. It is intended to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and is fully competent in the occupation
- A guide gives an outline of what's expected right at the start. Learners should be working towards their EPA throughout their apprenticeship. This should not be left the end and should not be a surprise Not all EPAs have pass, merit and distinctions. Mock assessments are normally completed at then end of each key milestone and during the last 3 – 6 months of the apprenticeship – depending on length.
- Providers will normally track the gateway and assessment dates closely. The outcome of the EPA will affect their overall achievement rates. Employers and learners ask if they fail can they resit – The answer should be yes, however the timeline, cost and process for this would be agreed with the training provider, and there is often a clause or discretionary statement in the contract that is signed at enrolment stage. Resits – like the EPA can range in price and be costly, so ideally learners but be fully prepared and ready for their EPA.
- Reasonable adjustments are changes made to an assessment, or to the way an assessment is carried out, to make sure that disabled apprentices, including apprentices with a learning disability, can show what they know and can do. Reasonable adjustments are sometimes called access arrangements. Special consideration is only for things that happen immediately before or during an EPA that affect your ability to take that assessment, or could affect how you perform .This may be: you temporarily experience an illness or injury at the time of your EPA, or something that you could not prevent happens during or immediately before a scheduled EPA that affects your ability to take it, or something that you could not prevent happens during or immediately before an EPA that could affect your performance.
- The Office for Students (OfS) quality assures integrated degree apprenticeship end-point assessments and Ofqual regulates most other apprenticeship EPAs. If the apprentice is completing an integrated degree apprenticeship, the apprentice's higher education institute will be the training provider and EPAO. The assessor will be independent to the training delivered, ensuring impartial assessment.
- When to find an end-point assessment organisation Find an end-point assessment organisation early on during the apprenticeship. This will give the employer and apprentice enough time to prepare for the assessment. Employers can work with training providers to choose their end-point assessment organisation If your looking for a new EPAO then shop about. If you have a network of providers – ask them who they use and why. Attend conferences and speak to EPAOs and find out more When searching for an EPAO you must make sure you enter the correct title of the standard. A list of providers will appear for you to choose from. This will show you all the EPAOs they deliver. Its also good to note that some qualifications recognise EPAOs more so than others, but that’s not to say they are better. Often the more established ones are clunky and don’t put the learner and provider first when thinking about service and processes.
- This slide needs to be expanded on – but a good discussion . Talking point What do you think should be considered? Track record – recommendations – pass rates Price structure including upfront costs and resit costs Service levels Resources / support material Quality Assurance processes / appeals process Face to face and remote sessions Account management Data and reporting Support desk Working hours How many assessors Availability What system they use for example: Ace360, EPA pro Ease of registration
- Again remember I mentioned total negotiated price – this is not something that’s factored in as it’s a static cost.
- As with all accounts its always good for forge a good relationship with your EPAO provider. It helps when you need further advice or support, or you have an issue or problem that needs resolving. Remember to pre-book slots for your EPA especially at year end, so get in early and continue to communicate with them throughout.
- 1: the apprentice and employer must be aware and have signed to say they are aware of this at enrolment 2:as mentioned earlier all parties including the provider should know the processes and the elements and grading right from the start -this also includes when to register the apprentice 3: Apprentices will need to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behaviours using a number of formats, including written or recorded statements and observations, reports, presentations, appraisals and feedback. This will include any mandated qualifications set out by the standard. Failure to produce will result the learners application to enter gateway being rejected. If learners has maths and English exemptions these should be evidenced and checked at the start of the apprenticeship. Failure to produce these will result in the learner having to pass these before entering gateway. 4:The employer, alongside the training provider, will need to decide whether the apprentice is ready before they can make their submission as part of the EPA gateway. 5: The provider must submit all paperwork requested by the Apathies may be limited to the amount of referenced evidence. This may involve loading into portal 6: the provider will normally at this point step aside and let the EPAO arrange the booking with learner and in some cases the employer if they are required 7: The End Point Assessment is the final milestone for apprentices. It examines their ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours through a range of assessment methods 8: The apprentice completes their EPA and is notified. Certificates are sent as proof. Were now going to look at steps 3 and 7in more detail The provider can only claim achievement when all elements have been achieved. If a learner fails any element they will need to resit or re-take. Learners may be required to go back into active learning to address the KSB gap. Then the process is followed again. This is slightly dependant on the EPA elements.
- Evidence of work that best demonstrates the an apprentice can apply the knowledge skills and behaviours identified in the standard. This might include: Written assignments Tests/assessments Photo/video evidence Discussions Witness testimonies and statements from manager/mentor Certificates These should always be mapped against the assessment criteria
- Portfolios should not be signed off unless the IQA / EQA is happy. Failure to comply with this practice could lead to an apprentice entering gateway and being rejected due to poor quality of their work. Its good practice for providers to carry out summative and formative assessments of the learners portfolio. Feedback should be given to the tutor for areas of improvement or best practice. Where qualifications are included this should be IQA’d internally and then be subject to an EQA review. Often IQAs/Quality and EQAs will work together on areas that may require improvement by sharing ideas on best practice
- WE will now look at 3 standards to explore the differences in assessment methods and EPA winders. There are different types of assessments that need to be achieved. a practical assessment an interview a project written and/or multiple choice test a presentation
- Arrow one shows key information – talk through the importance including typical duration and EPA period Arrow two shows funding amount and EQA provider and you will see that its recently been updated
- Introduction – gives an overview Assessment Method 3 methods The detail on the Ifate website goes into in depth details including expected heading and grading descriptors
- This standard has a mandatory qualification
- The final part clearly shows professional recognition and a section on re-sits and retakes Because this is a new standard the format, detail and layout is new. I would like to move onto a progression route from the level 5 to a level 7
- Lets take a quick look at this level 7. Arrow one shows key information typical duration is included here but does not state the EPA this is located on the assessment plan Arrow two shows funding amount and EQA provider and you will see that its recently been updated
- Brief overview of the differences shown
- The assessment methods can be delivered in any order. The portfolio of evidence apprentices must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship • it must contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by the professional discussion • the portfolio of evidence will typically contain 15 discrete pieces of evidence • evidence must be clearly mapped, in an annex, against the KSBs allocated to this assessment method • evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested • evidence sources may include: o workplace documentation/records, for example workplace policies/procedures/processes, records o witness statements o annotated photographs o video clips (maximum total duration 15 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable o people plans and strategies, communications This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources are possible. • it 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 must be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence must contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this • the portfolio of evidence must be submitted to the EPAO at the gateway
- Professional recognition shown. The EPA length is located here – This one is typically 4 months
- As this doesn’t have an integrated degree it would still be regulated by Ofqual via an awarding body. If this stated degree it be an example of where the OfS would be involved from a quality assurance point of and where the EPAO needs to be approved and regulated
- Contains an accredited degree Apprentices must complete and pass method 1 before being permitted to move onto method 2
- Summaries any key points discussed in session The IfATE will publish updates on standards that are in development and under review but you should always check the website for any changes. EPAOs are independent and are treated as such Quality Assurance is overseen by OfS and Ofqual The IfATE contains information relating to: The occupations for people undertaking the standard The list of K,S,B’s The assessment methods for EPA The professional recognition is needed