Early Years Educator Level 3

Version 1.5  |  ST0135

EPA Overview

End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of the apprenticeship and provides an opportunity for apprentices to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours they have developed during their Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship.

The assessment for an Early Years Educator Level 3 apprentice includes an Observation with Questioning and Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence.

An apprentice cannot achieve their apprenticeship without passing the End-Point Assessment.

The End-Point Assessment for Early Years Educator Level 3 can be carried out face-to-face.

Gateway Requirements

Gateway requirements for Early Years Educator Level 3 apprentices includes;

• Evidence of achieving relevant maths and English qualifications if required by funding regulations or the employer

• Successfully completed a first aid qualification

• Completion of Portfolio of Evidence

• Typically, 18 months on programme

Assessment Methods

The EPA for the Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship is made up of two assessment components, both of which must be passed to achieve the apprenticeship.

Observation with Questioning

This component will last between 1 hour 20 minutes, 50 minutes will be for the observation and 30 minutes for the questioning.

To achieve a Merit, the apprentice must achieve a Distinction in this component.

Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence

The Professional Discussion is a two-way discussion which involves both the independent assessor and the apprentice actively listening and participating in a formal conversation.

This will last for 90 minutes with a minimum of 10 questions asked. Follow up questions may be asked to assess the apprentice’s depth of understanding, skills and behaviours and authenticate their Portfolio of Evidence.

Results

NQual will communicate results within 10 working days of the final assessment.

If an apprentice Fails one or more component, they will be offered the opportunity to re-sit / re-take the component(s). It is then up to the apprentice’s employer how many attempts an apprentice is given.

Where any assessment method must be re-sat or re-taken, the apprentice will be awarded a maximum EPA grade of Pass. Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from Pass to a higher grade.

View NQual's Support Pack document for full details about the Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship assessment.