This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the healthcare support worker apprentices. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering their EPA.

Healthcare support worker 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 12 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a healthcare support worker. 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 2 EPA methods.

The grades available for each EPA method are:

EPA method 1 - observation of practice with questions:

• fail

• pass

EPA method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• 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 3 months.

The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements are met and the EPA is begun 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 healthcare support worker. 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 Level 1 and taken the tests for Level 21.

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

The portfolio of evidence requirements are as follows:

· 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 8 discrete pieces of evidence (2 per grading theme)

· Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested. Evidence sources may include:

1. Witness testimonials

2. Written report of a case-based discussion

3. Written report of supporting an intervention

4. Clinical supervision reflection (relating to K25 and S25)

5. Work-based observation

6. Evidence of ongoing professional development

7. Mapping document showing how the evidence provided meets the KSBs

· This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources are possible. Given the breadth of context and roles in which this occupation works, the apprentice will select the most appropriate evidence based on the context of their practice against the KSBs mapped to this method.

· The portfolio should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment except where evidencing K25 or S25

· 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

The portfolio is not directly assessed. It underpins the professional discussion assessment method and therefore should not be marked by the EPAO. EPAOs should review the portfolio of evidence in preparation for the professional discussion but are not required to provide feedback after this review of the portfolio.

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 an observation with questions, an independent assessor observes an apprentice in their workplace. The apprentice completes their day-to-day duties under normal working conditions. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs shown in the mapping 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 for the observation of practice with questions.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

· this is a practical role, best demonstrated through completing activities in a real work setting

· observation makes use of employer resources and equipment, which will be familiar to the apprentice and thus allow them to perform at their best

· questioning allows for the assessment of the breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge against the grading descriptors

· tasks completed during the observation should contribute to workplace productivity and are valid

· it is a holistic assessment method.

Delivery

The observation of practice with questions must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method to the highest available grade.

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 must take 2 hours.

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 and questioning must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs at the highest possible grade.

The observation may be split into discrete sections held on the same working day.

EPAOs must manage invigilation of apprentices at all times 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 observation before it begins. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor should observe the following during the observation:

· Working as part of the healthcare team

· Providing care and support to individuals

· Communicating in a way that facilitates understanding

· Maintaining the health and safety of the workplace, individuals, colleagues and themselves through safe work practices

· Adhering to protocols relevant to their role, the service or intervention they are providing and the organisation they are working in.

These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs as shown in the mapping.

Questions must be asked after the observation. The total duration of the observation assessment method is 2 hours and the time for questioning included in the overall assessment time is 30 minutes. The total time for the observation element is 90 minutes. The time for questions asked during the observation is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 4 questions during the observation. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, independent assessors should ask questions during natural stops between tasks 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 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. The independent assessor can also ask questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice.

Overview

In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their competency across the KSBs as shown in the mapping.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

· it allows for assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis

· it allows assessment of responses where there are a range of potential answers that cannot be tested through the observation

· it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost

· a professional discussion is a well-recognised method of checking knowledge, skills and behaviours and is widely used within the health sector.

Delivery

The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method to the highest available grade.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to assess the depth of the apprentice's understanding of the KSBs.

Apprentices are expected to understand and use relevant occupational language that would be typical of a competent person in this occupation.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the professional discussion.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.

Apprentices must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.

Apprentices 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.

For the professional discussion, the independent assessor must ask at least 8 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 professional discussion must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method at the highest possible grade.

The independent assessor conducts and assesses the professional discussion.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. The records must include the KSBs met, the grade achieved and answers to questions.

The independent assessor will make all grading decisions.

Assessment location

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.

Question and resource development

EPAOs must write an assessment specification and question bank. The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs shown in the mapping. 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.

EPAOs will develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place, for example, considering standardisation, training and moderation. EPAOs will ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.

EPAOs must ensure that apprentices have a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

EPAOs must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• 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 employer

The EPA methods contribute equally to the overall EPA grade.

Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Independent assessors must individually grade the: observation of practice with questions and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.

EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

Apprentices who fail one or more assessment method will be awarded an overall EPA fail.

Apprentices must achieve at least a pass in all the EPA methods to get an overall pass. To gain an overall distinction the apprentice must get a distinction in the Professional Discussion.

Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA as a whole.

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 3 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 6 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 6 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 3 gained in the last 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
  • meet the following minimum requirements:

    the assessor must be occupationally competent against the standard and keep up to date with continuing professional development (cpd).

• 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:

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• using the employer’s premises

Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.