Early Years Practitioner 

Level 2

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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 Practitioner Level 2 apprenticeship.

The assessment for an Early Years Practitioner Level 2 apprentice includes a Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence and a Knowledge Test.

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

The End-Point Assessment for Early Years Practitioner Level 2 can be carried out remotely or face-to-face.

Gateway Requirements

Gateway requirements for Early Years Practitioner Level 2 apprentices includes;

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

• Successfully complete a Level 2 Early Years Qualification

• Completion of Portfolio of Evidence

• Typically, 12 months on programme

Assessment Methods

The EPA for the Early Years Practitioner Level 2 apprenticeship is made up of two assessment components, both of which must be passed to achieve the apprenticeship.

Knowledge Test

Apprentices will be given 60 minutes to complete a multiple-choice Knowledge Test consisting of 40 questions. This test is completed online and will be invigilated by a NQual representative.

Certain grading criteria must be met for the apprentice to pass the Knowledge Test component. A minimum of 26 questions need to be correctly answered for a Pass.

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 Practitioner Level 2 apprenticeship assessment.