Independent - End Point Assessor (New) Teaching Assistant Level 3

This job is closed and is displayed for reference only. 

Reference:EPA/TA/LE3 

Closing date:13 January 2023 at midnight 

Job description: Independent end-point assessor for Teaching Assistant  LEVEL 3

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. Find out more about how we can help you and your learners at qualifications.pearson.com

 

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 make sure 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, regardless of where they are undertaking their apprenticeship or who they are doing it with.

 

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 within the scope of this EPA, 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 and must not have been involved in the on-programme training, assessment, or line management of such apprentices.

 

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. Please see the below Key Accountabilities and Person Specification sections for further details.

 

 

 

Key Accountabilities:

The independent end-point assessor will:

     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

     Allow additional time for travel, when making EPA arrangements

     Raise any conflicts of interest, including in relation to the independence of assessment

     Ensure that any personal actions are completed, as required by Pearson

     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

Understanding of the educational sector and of the role covered by the apprenticeship. Teaching Assistants work in Primary, Special and Secondary education across all age ranges encompassing special educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities. The primary role of the Teaching Assistant is to support the class teacher to enhance pupils’ learning either in groups or individually, ensuring pupils understand the work set, know their learning objectives and stay on task in order to make progress. Promoting self-belief, social inclusion and a high self-esteem play an integral part to pupils’ well-being; ensuring pupils thrive in a positive, nurturing, safe environment. It is an active role supporting the learner to access the curriculum. They are good role models, act with honesty and integrity, take part in team meetings; contribute to planning and class activities. Promoting Fundamental British Values through spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and positive behaviours are crucial in contributing to improved pupil progress and development.

 Occupational Profiles[1]:

Background and Experience (essential):

     Current relevant occupational competence within the workplace for at least 2yrs

     Knowledge and understanding of the Teaching Assistant standard.

     Hold or working towards a qualification to undertake assessment (e.g. D32/33, A1/A2, TAQA) and/or have significant knowledge and expertise in providing consistent and appropriate judgements of a candidate’s skill and ability

     Experience of leading meetings/structured interviews/discussions

     Experience of complying with quality assurance/regulatory requirements

     Evidence of commitment to maintaining CPD, in line with new apprenticeship requirements and the EPA specialism

      English & Math at L2

     Current DBS

 

 

Background and Experience (desirable):

 

     Experience of Marking or grading Judgements

     Experience in all areas of Telecommunications.

 

 

Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

    Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively respond to conflicts

    Knowledge of relevant legislation, codes of practice

    Sufficient and relevant technical knowledge of the telecoms industry:

    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