Seven of the ten flexibilities, which were introduced due to Covid-19, will be retained beyond 1 April 2022. However, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education will discontinue three types after this date.
The reason for retaining these flexibilities that although many of them were put in place to ensure apprentices could still achieve their EPA, they have been found to be beneficial to the delivery of EPA.
Employers will find a flexibility framework available from the Institute, which contains guidance and advice on how these flexibilities should be applied from April onwards.
The seven are:
- Assessment gateway sign off being done remotely.
- Pauses being allowed between elements of end point assessments.
- Assessment element delivery being in any order.
- Simulated environments being used instead of observation in workplaces.
- Remote delivery of assessment (including invigilation).
- Assessments taking place outside of usual venues.
- Assessment exams being online instead of on paper.
Those being switched off are:
- Changes being made to who sits on the EPA interview/discussion panel (when someone in addition to the independent assessor is specified).
- Allowing other suitable evidence of achievements being used in replacement of functional skills qualifications at gateway (other mandated qualifications are covered under temporary discretions).
- Extension to the length of the End-Point Assessment period (where specified).
Employers and providers must be aware that the retention of these flexibilities overrides any related elements written into the EPA Assessment Plan and must prepare their Apprentices accordingly.
Visit Institute for Apprenticeships for more information.
If any employers, or providers who are preparing apprentices for EPA through LEIA have any queries relating to the retention of these flexibilities and the impact this could have on assessments please contact epa@leia.co.uk
