ST0328, bespoke saddler level 3

This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.

Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA. 

The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 2 months.

The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

EPA gateway

The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.

The gateway requirements for your EPA are:

• achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• for the professional discussion, the project's title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO and a project summary submitted

• passed any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard

For the bespoke saddler, the qualification required is:

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Saddlery (Saddle and Bridle pathways)

Assessment methods

Short written test

You will complete a test requiring short written answers. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.

The test will have 20 short response written questions. You will have 75 minutes to complete it.

Practical assessment with questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 4 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

You will have a professional professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 15 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You can use it to help answer the questions.

The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.

Who to contact for help or more information

You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.

You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.

You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.

Reasonable adjustments

If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.

Professional recognition

This apprenticeship aligns with The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) for Intermediate Saddler

Please contact the professional body for more details.

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:

• fail

• pass

EPA method 2 - practical skills test:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

EPA method 3 - professional discussion:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The result from each EPA method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

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:

• achieved English and mathematics at Level 21.

• achieved City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Saddlery (Saddle and Bridle pathways)

• for the professional discussion apprentices must submit: portfolio of evidence

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:

• workplace documentation/records, for example:
  • workplace policies/procedures, records
  • witness statements
  • annotated photographs
  • video clips (maximum total duration 10 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable
  • a finished saddle and bridle (required)
  • samples and test pieces

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.

Overview

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.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

• It allows apprentices to demonstrate knowledge that does not lend itself to a multiple-choice test.
• It can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing costs.

Delivery

• Health and Safety (Horse and Rider) K16
• Customer Liaison K5
• Pre- Manufacture K4, K8
• Manufacture K2, K20

Test administration

Marking

Assessment location

Question and resource development

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:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • test specification
  • sample test and mark schemes
  • live tests and mark schemes
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.

Overview

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.

Rationale

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.

• practical assessment makes use of employer resources and equipment, which will be familiar to the apprentice and will allow them to perform at their best.
• tasks completed during the practical assessment should contribute to workplace productivity and are valid
• it is a holistic assessment method.

Delivery

Assessment location

Question and resource development

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:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

Overview

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

• it allows the apprentice to be assessed against KSBs that would take too long to observe or do not lend themselves to a professional discussion assessment.
• it allows for the testing of responses where there are numerous potential answers that could not be tested through the multiple-choice test.
• it is cost-effective.

Delivery

• Health and Safety (Horse and Rider)
• Customer Liason
• Pre-Manufacture
• Manufacture
• Post-Manufacture

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 apprentice’s answers to questions
• the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved 

Assessment location

Question and resource development

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:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:

• training materials
• administration materials
• moderation and standardisation materials
• guidance materials
• grading guidance
• question bank

• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

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:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

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:

• how an apprentice qualifies for reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

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:

• have effective and rigorous quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent EPA regardless of employer, place, time or independent assessor
• appoint independent assessors who are competent to deliver the EPA and who:
  • have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 5 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
  • have professional body membership with:

    Society of Master Saddlers (SMS)

  • meet the following minimum requirements:

    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:

    • professional recognition of master saddler.

• operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery and/or assessment of the EPA
• provide training for independent assessors in good assessment practice, operating the assessment tools and making grading decisions
• provide ongoing training for markers and invigilators
• provide standardisation activity for this apprenticeship standard for all independent assessors:
  • before they conduct an EPA for the first time
  • if the EPA is updated
  • periodically as appropriate (a minimum of annually)
• conduct effective moderation of EPA decisions and grades
• conduct appeals where required, according to the EPAO’s appeals procedure, reviewing and making final decisions on EPA decisions and grades
• have no direct connection with the apprentice, their employer or training provider. In all instances, including when the EPAO is the training provider (for example a higher education institution)

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

• completing applicable assessment methods online (for example computer-based assessment)

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the method of assessment permits this

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

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)