Standard
Code
ST0006
Maximum Funding
£4000
Typical
Duration
12 months
Level
3
Standard
EPA Price*
£600
EQA Provider
Ofqual
End-Point Assessment Requirements
English and maths
Effective from 11 February 2025, the government has removed the mandatory English and maths functional skills requirement for apprentices aged 19 and above who start their apprenticeship training. This change includes apprentices who are currently on the programme.
The new ruling applies to apprentices on programme and all apprentices starting their programmes from February 2025.
Employers and apprentices must agree by 1st April 2025 whether apprentices aged 19 and above on programme will continue studying English and maths.
- Providers must record the decision in the training plan.
- Apprentices must continue their studies until an agreement is made.
It is worth noting that whilst the mandatory requirement for English and Maths has been removed, apprentices and employers can still choose to receive English and Maths training and participate in the associated tests.
For apprentices under the age of 19 at programme commencement, there is still a requirement to undertake Maths and English training and take functional skills tests.
Qualifications and On-programme Assessment
In order to reach end-point assessment, apprentices will need to be supported through their on-programme learning by the employer and training organisation in the following elements:
- The Care Certificate
- Level 3 Diploma in Care (RQF)
- Completion of the self-assessment exercise
- Achievement of English and maths at the appropriate level (Functional Skills or equivalent).
Situational Judgement Test
- Situational judgement test based on real life scenarios
- 60 questions, normally taken online
- Time limit applies
- Grades available are pass, merit and distinction
- 40/60 is the pass mark; 50/60 a merit and 55+ a distinction
- Undertaken either on the employer’s premises or off site under exam conditions.
Professional Discussion
- Professional discussion undertaken with the independent assessor
- No more than 45 minutes duration
- Discussion covers skills, knowledge, supporting evidence and self-assessment evaluations
- May be completed face to face or online
- Grades available are pass, merit and distinction
- The line manager may be, but is not required to be, present during the discussion.
Available Resources
- Training provider resource library
- EPA Specification (click to view)
- PAL Guide – Making the Apprenticeship Journey Successful (click to view)
How to engage with PAL.
Engaging with PAL couldn’t be easier. Simply contact us at info@professionalassessment.co.uk or on 0800 1601899. Our senior team will contact you to find out about your requirements in more detail and discuss how we might need to adapt our approach to meet your needs. Once you are happy that PAL is the right fit for your programme, we set up your account, share our library of resources and support you to register your apprentices. You can then rest assured that you have a dedicated team on hand to guide you through your EPA journey and provide a responsive service when your apprentices are ready to be assessed.