Early Years Educator
Early Years Educators, and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre schools, reception classes and as childminders. They may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.
Introduction to End-Point Assessment
What is End-Point Assessment?
End-point assessment (EPA) is a synoptic assessment at the end of the apprenticeship programme.
EPA is carried out by an Independent End-Point Assessor (IEPA) who has not been part of the teaching and learning.
The assessment plan that accompanies the Early Years Educator standard contains a combination of assessment
methods designed to test the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in line with the requirements for
synoptic testing under the apprenticeship reforms. The assessment plan can be found at:
The role of the apprentice:
- participate in development opportunities to improve their knowledge, skills and behaviours as outlined in the standard
- meet all gateway requirements when advised by the employer
- understand the purpose and importance of EPA and undertake EPA
- gather evidence from the on-programme training to support the portfolio and professional discussion
The role of the employer:
- support the apprentice, while on-programme, to achieve the KSBs outlined in the standard to their best ability
- determine when the apprentice is working at or above the level outlined in the standard and is ready for EPA
- select the EPAO
- confirm all EPA gateway requirements have been met
- confirm arrangements with EPAO for the EPA (who, when, where) in a timely manner
- ensure apprentice is well prepared for the EPA
- support the apprentice as they develop their portfolio
- ensure all appropriate permissions are received from parents/ careers
- ensure video is included in the portfolio where possible except where there may safeguarding concerns
- ensure observation recordings are only viewed on site
Our role:
- work with the employer to ensure that the apprentice is given the opportunities to develop the KSBs outlined in the standard and monitor their progress during the on-programme period
- advise the employer, upon request, on the apprentice’s readiness for EPA prior to the gateway
- plays no part in the EPA itself
