1. Physiotherapist Level 6 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship
End Point Assessment update

2. End Point Assessment (EPA)
EPA is about End Point NOT on-programme assessment and aims to:
rigorously assess that an apprentice can perform the occupation they have been trained in and meets the duties, knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the standard
use at least 2 assessment methods that assure consistency
EPA must be:
Valid
Reliable
Manageable
Affordable
Accessible

3. Apprenticeship structure
Physiotherapy Honours Degree approved by the HCPC and accredited by the CSP is the required underpinning qualification for the physiotherapist integrated level 6 degree apprenticeship
The apprenticeship will comprise a total of 360 credits and conform to university quality assurance requirements for the award of credit at levels 4, 5 and 6.
340 credits will be dedicated to on-programme training and assessment. The final 20 credits at level 6 of the programme will be dedicated to the EPA.

4. Physiotherapist Level 6 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship
EPA takes place within the degree programme so that the apprentice completes both the degree and the apprenticeship at the same time.
The university offering both on-programme training and EPA needs to be registered as both an Apprenticeship Training Provider and an End Point Assessment Organisation.
The EPA must still deliver an impartial result, wherever possible the assessor must be from a different organisation.

5. Apprentice must meet gateway requirements first
Evidence of English and Mathematics qualification at a minimum of level 2 as per general apprenticeship requirements. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language
Achievement of 340 credits towards the BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, including through the successful completion of 1000 hours of assessed clinical practice-based learning
Achievement of the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the physiotherapist level 6 integrated degree apprenticeship standard
Completion of a portfolio
Confirmation from the employer that the requirements of the integrated degree apprenticeship standard have been met within the apprentice’s workplace.

6. Range of assessment methods
Observation based
Practical demonstration based
Project based
Test based
Presentation based
EPA is the only interaction the independent assessor has with the apprentice.
They must make a professional judgement about their competence based solely on what happens during EPA.
On-programme performance (eg within their degree or training course) cannot be taken into account at EPA.
At least one of the assessment methods chosen must assess the skills, knowledge and behaviours from the standard synoptically.
Higher level KSBs can be assessed in the EPA that show that lower level KSBs have been met.
Things like reflective accounts and portfolios cannot be used as assessments in their own right, only to underpin other assessment methods eg a portfolio that is generated whilst on programme may be used to inform a professional discussion but only if it is specified in the standard and EPA as a gateway requirement; ie that the apprentice must complete this on-programme before going onto EPA

7. Assessment methods agreed
Contribution to final grade
Duration
Assessed by
Element 1
Case study
50%
15 minute
EPA independent assessor
Element 2
Professional discussion
(viva voce)
45 minutes

8. Case study
The apprentice is required to prepare and present an element of practice experience as a case study using digital media and submitted online for assessment
Based on a complex case
Demonstrating clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and decision making
15 minute
Will be assessed against 2 of the standards domains
Physiotherapy practice
Physiotherapy values and behaviours
Associated detailed grading criteria

9. Professional discussion
One to one face-to-face professional discussion of 45 minutes duration (+/- 10%)
Based on a portfolio completed before the EPA gateway
Will be synoptic
Based on all 4of the standards domains
Physiotherapy practice
Physiotherapy values and behaviours
Development of self and others
Professional engagement
Associated detailed grading criteria

10. Developing the EPA - 1 Assessment methods
are required to be mapped to the KSBs
chosen must be discreet from one another
must reflect the level and scope of the role
Must be robust
should vary and not rely on one mode of delivery only.
Assessment methods must be mapped to the KSBs
each knowledge, skill and behaviour (KSB) in the standard should be assessed by one of the assessment methods chosen (if it is a ‘lower level’ one the mapping should show that it is covered by assessing a ‘higher level’ one)
Discrete
the methods chosen should be discreet from one another. Avoid assessing the same thing more than once (as this could unfairly advantage or disadvantage someone)
Level, scope and extent: the assessment methods chosen should reflect the level and scope of the role as should the extent of the methods used (eg word limits, length of practical demonstration etc)
Robustness: you may want to enhance an assessment method to make it more robust eg adding a short question and answer session to an observation to make sure everything is covered
Delivery: the methods used should vary and not rely on one mode of delivery only.

11. Developing the EPA - 2 Affordability Access Grading Consistency
different assessment methods have been considered to ensure value for money.
Technological solutions are included.
Access
Grading
Assessments are graded (e.g. 1st, 2i, 2ii, 3rd, fail) fail criteria has to be included.
Consistency
assessment methods and grading must be able to be applied consistently irrespective of where the apprentice is and who the End Point Assessment Organisation is.
Affordability: different assessment methods should be considered to ensure value for money. Technological solutions should be considered.
Access: Required to think about the practical aspects for employers and apprentices and End Point Assessment Organisations, including access arrangements or ways to adapt the method to suit those with additional needs.
Grading: Assessments must be graded (e.g. 1st, 2i, 2ii, 3rd, fail) fail criteria must be included.
Consistency: assessment methods and grading should be able to be applied consistently irrespective of where the apprentice is and who the End Point Assessment Organisation is.

12. Developing the EPA - 3 Themes Weighting Re-sits/Re-takes:
Knowledge, skills and behaviours, are grouped into themes being tested by each method
Weighting
both are of equal importance 50%
Re-sits/Re-takes:
One further opportunity for re-siting/re-taking the assessment is allowed for each element. Any retake(s) of either assessment must be concluded within the six-month period from the apprentice going through the gateway to the EPA, and in accordance with the education provider’s regulations.
Should any re-sit/re-take of the EPA be undertaken, the grade of the EPA will be capped as a pass.

13. Developing the EPA - 4 Roles
The roles for those involved in EPA are outlined
Apprentice
Employer
Training Provider (University)
End point assessment organisation
Independent Assessor
Internal Quality Assurance
IQA processes are included in the EPA
External Quality Assurance
The Institute for Apprenticeships is exploring whether QAA can undertake external quality assurance for this standard, and arrangements will be confirmed by August 2018.