End Point Assessor - Early Years Lead Practitioner - LONDON area

Independent end-point assessor for Early Years Lead Practitioner L5. We are accepting applications for this advert for LONDON AREA only.

About Pearson: Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 35,000 employees in more than 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. We put the apprentice at the centre of everything we do, because wherever learning flourishes, so do people.

Overview of the independent end-point assessor role: Government has introduced a requirement that all apprenticeships contain an end-point assessment (EPA) which is a holistic assessment of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour (KSBs) that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. This is to ensure that apprentices meet the rigorous standard set by employers and are fully competent in the relevant occupation. Pearson must provide employers with the confidence that completing an apprenticeship means an individual is fully job-ready and that all apprentices, following the same standard, are assessed consistently. An independent EPA means that those deciding on the competency of the apprentice have nothing to gain from the outcome of the assessment. To maintain independence, an independent end-point assessor (IEA) can only undertake end-point assessments of apprentices with whom they have no conflict of interest. This means they must be independent of the registered apprenticeship training provider at which the apprentice completed their on-programme element. The end-point assessments will be conducted onsite or remotely, on dates agreed with employers and/or providers if appropriate. Independent end-point assessors will record and submit the EPA outcomes, with clear justifications for the grading decisions. EPA activities will be quality assured by Pearson quality assurance representatives. IEAs for these EPAs will be qualified IQAs that meet the occupational profile of the apprentices they are assessing and will be trained, standardised and approved to operate as IEAs. The IEAs will undertake EPAs in line with the associated apprenticeship assessment plan, and the materials provided by Pearson.

Key Accountabilities:

• Take part in regular training and standardisation activities, associated with the role of independent end-point assessor for this EPA.
• Maintain and provide evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
• Assess the performance of candidates in accordance with published assessment and grading criteria and procedures, ensuring overall standards are maintained.
• Follow the protocols set out in Pearson's specifications, assessment materials and quality assurance protocols, relating to the EPAs.
• Maintain service-level agreements with regards to responding to EPA planning, operational activities, reports and submissions of assessment outcomes.
• Report all risks and issues encountered during the end-point assessment to Pearson, including any suspected malpractice/maladministration.
• Ensure all EPA reports and assessment evidence are high quality and recorded accurately.
• Support Pearson, if necessary, with any appeals from apprentices regarding assessment decisions.
• Raise any conflicts of interest, including in relation to the independence of assessment.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Pearson's end-point assessment activities.
• Contribute to the external quality assurance activities undertaken by the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA).

Person Specification:

This occupation is found in a range of settings which can include day nurseries, playgroups, nursery schools, pre-schools, kindergartens, primary schools, hospitals, social care settings, out of school environments and local authority provision. The broad purpose of the occupation is to be a proactive and influential practitioner, working directly with children, skilfully leading day to day practice at an operational level. They are effective role models of play-based learning, supporting others to develop their own practice. They engage with sector developments both locally and nationally, with a commitment to developing their own professional and educational competencies. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with children aged birth to eight years, families, practitioners, other professionals and appropriate agencies.

Occupational Profiles:

• Have the competence to assess the apprentice at this level and hold any required qualifications and experience in line with the requirements of the independent assessor as detailed in the IQA section of this EPA plan.
• Understand the occupational standard and the requirements of this EPA.
• Have, maintain and be able to evidence up-to-date knowledge and expertise of the subject matter.
• Deliver the end-point assessment in-line with the EPA plan.
• Comply with the IQA requirements of the EPA.
• Have no direct connection or conflict of interest with the apprentice, their employer or training provider.

Background and Experience (essential):

• As a minimum Independent Assessors should hold a relevant Level 6 qualification and a qualification that meets the criteria set by the Department for Education.
• Have 2 years postgraduate relevant experience within Early Years Practice.
• Hold DBS Certificate.
• Hold an assessor qualification.

Essential others:

• Only UK-based candidates will be considered for this role due to requirements.
• Minimum of two working days during the week will be required for EPA role.

Background and Experience (desirable):

• Experience of marking or grading judgements.
• Experience in all areas of Community Health and Wellbeing.

Skills & Knowledge (Essential):

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively respond to conflicts.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and codes of practice.
• In-depth knowledge of the associated apprenticeship standard, assessment plan, specification, assessment instruments and recording tools.
• Ability to assess free from bias.
• Ability to assess and report risks.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

Other requirements:

• Any applicant undertaking this role will be expected to have personal IT equipment capable of running Pearson required software.
• Have a suitable broadband connection, microphone, headphones and a webcam.
• Have a personal and secure email account.
• Have a postal address in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey Isle of Man.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Allow additional time for travel when making EPA arrangements.