Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3

Version 1.0  |  ST1030

EPA Overview

The 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 Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3 apprenticeship.

The assessment for a Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3 apprentice includes a Presentation with Questions and a 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 Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3 can be carried out face-to-face or remotely.

Gateway Requirements

Gateway requirements for a Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3 apprenticeship include:

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

• A completed Portfolio of Evidence

• Confirmation that the apprentice is ready for Assessment

Assessment Methods

The EPA for the Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3 apprenticeship is made up of two assessment components, both of which must be passed to achieve the apprenticeship.

Presentation with Questions

You will produce and deliver a presentation to an independent assessor. You must submit your presentation slides and any supporting materials to the AO two weeks after Gateway has been approved. The presentation and questions will last at least 45 minutes. The independent assessor will ask you at least 8 questions.

Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence

You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes + 10% if needed. They will ask you at least 12 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before Gateway. You can use it to support you in answering the questions.

EPA Results

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

If an apprentice Fails one or more component(s), 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 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 Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3 apprenticeship assessment.