Teaching Assistant Level 3

Version 1.1  |  ST0454

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 Teaching Assistant Level 3 apprenticeship.

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

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

The End-Point Assessment for Teaching Assistant Level 3 can only be carried out face-to-face, unless otherwise agreed with NQual.

Gateway Requirements

Gateway requirements for Teaching Assistant Level 3 apprentices includes:

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

• A completed Portfolio of Evidence

• Typically, 18 months on programme

Assessment Methods

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

Observation with Questioning

Apprentices will be observed within their workplace over a one-day period where they will have a total of 110 minutes to demonstrate how they have applied their KSBs in a work environment to achieve genuine and demanding work objectives.

This will then be followed by a Q&A session lasting for 20 minutes (this is accounted for within the 110-minute overall assessment time) where the independent assessor will question the apprentice in order to clarify any sector / specialist practice from the observation.

Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence

The Professional Discussion will last 90 minutes and be a structured discussion between the apprentice and the independent assessor, following the practical observation, to establish the apprentice’s understanding and application of the knowledge, skills and behaviours.

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 Merit. 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 Teaching Assistant Level 3 apprenticeship assessment.