Face-to-face observations required for Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant End Point Assessments.

We have received confirmation today that there was an error in the published Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant end-point assessment plan, where a clarification point on the delivery was omitted.

Ifate have added the following paragraph into the assessment plan (this can now be found in the assessment location section for the observation).

“The observation should take place with the assessor at the apprentices setting. This may be adapted in advance in the exceptional circumstance if the presence of an external person not known to the learner(s) may impact adversely on the assessment process. In these circumstances if it is possible to conduct the observation remotely, but within the setting then this will be permissible as a reasonable adjustment. The questioning should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence at the apprentice’s workplace.“

This confirms that, as with the Level 3 Teaching Assistant standard, the observation element of the end point assessment should take place in-person unless exceptional circumstances apply and have been agreed upon via the reasonable adjustment process.

Steadfast EPA has a host of sector-experienced IEPAs who are able to facilitate face-to-face observations around the country. If you would like further information on the new Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant standard and the EPA process, please contact the team at enquiries@steadfastepa.co.uk or call 01775 513 056