Vision rehabilitation specialist

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the vision rehabilitation specialist apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Vision rehabilitation specialist apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

A full-time vision rehabilitation specialist apprentice typically spends 24 months on-programme. The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

The EPA should be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 3 months.

The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR).

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - practical assessment with questioning:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 3 - scenario based case study with open ended questions:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.

The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

They must:

• confirm they are ready to take the EPA
• have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• submit a portfolio of evidence for the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include a combination of:

• evidence of teaching Braille to grade 1
• evidence of teaching life skills
• workplace documentation and records
• workplace policies and procedures
• anonymised case study notes and referrals
• teaching materials and lesson planning
• annotated photographs
• video clips, maximum total duration 10 minutes; the apprentice must be in view and identifiable
• witness statements from training provider or employer

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance, for example, witness statements, rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.

The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.

Overview

In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it is a holistic assessment method, to assess the level of competence against the grading descriptors
• this is a practical role, best demonstrated through completing tasks
• questioning after the practical assessment allow for clarification points in relation to why the apprentice carried out actions and why they made decisions during the assessment

Delivery

The practical assessment with questioning must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the practical assessment with questioning.

The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 10 days' notice of the . practical assessment with questioning

The practical assessment with questioning must take 75 minutes.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment with questioning by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.

The practical assessment with questioning cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks or to allow apprentices to move from one location to another. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.

The EPAO must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations.

The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical assessment with questioning before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:

During this assessment the apprentice will use the knowledge, skills and behaviours described in the apprenticeship standard to deliver a one-to-one teaching session to a person with no vision.

The apprentice will:

• assess the environment to identify a safe and appropriate crossing point. The location must be within a five mile radius of the apprentice's training provider and chosen by the apprentice
• identify an appropriate route, to and from their chosen crossing point
• identify two crossing points must be on a road with a reasonable and regular flow of two-way traffic
• plan a structured and effective training session to deliver a risk managed, developmental training session that meets recognised objectives
• the route must include the following:
  • a route of approximately and no less than half a mile:
    • pavement travel
    • situated in an environment which has a frequent flow of two-way traffic
    • a landmarked starting point
    • a landmarked destination
    • two ‘way-point’ locations, e.g. coffee shop, restaurant, post office, bus stop
    • two uncontrolled road crossings, only one uncontrolled crossing will be observed. Planning for two crossings mitigates the risk of one of the crossings being unsuitable to use on the day of the assessment
  • opportunity for the apprentice to choose an appropriate route for their client
  • sensory; auditory, visual, tactual and kinaesthetic, clues and landmarks
• discuss and answer assessment questions related to the observed one-to-one teaching session
• discuss and answer assessment questions relating to planning document evidence provided and knowledge, skills and behaviours within the assessment method

At gateway the apprentice will be issued with documentation that describes the requirements of the assessment, this includes:

• an overview of the clients roleplay skills
• abilities and preferred mobility aid for example long cane
• the timings of the assessment; start time, teaching time, arrangements for questioning

10 days prior to the assessment the apprentice is required to submit:

• planning documents; assessment, legislation, access, risk, maps etc
• the location of the route start point A and destination B
• a rehabilitation plan, broken into two individual lesson plans for the uncontrolled crossings to cover a 45 minute training session to complete A to B route
• the name and location of the route starting point

The 75 minute assessment will consist of the following elements:

• the independent assessor will advise the apprentice on which element of the route will be assessed
• the apprentice will have 5 minutes to independently review the assessment section
• the apprentice will deliver a 45 minute safe, effective and developmental, training session
• the apprentice will actively contribute to a 25 minute questioning session

The apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end any assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.

The assessment will be administered by an end-point assessment organisation on the Apprentice Provider and Assessment Register. The assessment will be delivered by an independent assessor and a competent person provided by the end-point assessment organisation.

• independent assessor – to observe the assessment and have the responsibility to make the final judgement on whether the apprentice has passed and at what level
• independent assessor – to consult with the competent person, to gather feedback on the performance of the apprentice during the role-play activity
• competent person – to role-play as a person with no vision and provide the independent assessor with feedback on the apprentices’ performance
• competent person - must be independent, with no conflict of interest with the apprentice, their employer or training provider, specifically, they must not receive a personal benefit or detriment from the result of the assessment

These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The independent assessor must ask questions.

Questions must be asked after the practical. The total duration of the practical is 75 minutes and the time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The total time for the practical element is 5 minutes to independently review the assessment section, followed by 45 minutes for the safe, effective and developmental training session. The time allocated for questioning is 25 minutes.

The independent assessor must ask at least 5 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical assessment with questioning.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the practical assessment and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the KSBs observed
• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved

Assessment location

The practical assessment with questioning must take place in a simulated environment selected by the apprentice within a 5 mile radius of a training provider’s premises. This simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment with questioning must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.

Questioning that occurs after the practical assessment with questioning should take place in a suitable environment for example a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Additional venue requirements that must be in place include:

Questions may be asked at the assessment location, or a suitable location nearby, once the assessment is completed in relation to the assessment activity. A quiet indoor location must be provided to allow the apprentice and independent assessor to review the planning document evidence provided and complete the question and answer session.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. 

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment with questioning:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

• due to the sensitive nature of the work undertaken, some KSBs cannot be reliably assessed in the other assessment methods and therefore a professional discussion is the most appropriate way to assess those KSBs, allowing the apprentice to draw on their experience to demonstrate competence
• the portfolio of evidence is available as underpinning evidence to support the discussion
• it is cost effective, as it can be conducted remotely, therefore potentially reducing travel time
• allows for the three assessments methods to be carried out on separate days to minimise fatigue and stress for the apprentice

Delivery

The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to assess competence against the following themes:

• vision impairment
• rehabilitation
• technology
• legislation
• professional development

The EPAO must give an apprentice 10 days' notice of the professional discussion.

The independent assessor must have at least 10 days to review the supporting documentation.

The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.

The professional discussion must last for 90 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.

The apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end any assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.

The independent assessor must ask at least 11 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.

The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

In the scenario based case study with open ended questions, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills mapped to this assessment method.

Long answer questions (LAQs) are open-ended questions used to assess depth of knowledge in an examination. LAQs need an extended written response or an evaluative answer.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it can assess knowledge and skills that may not be assessable through the other methods of assessments
• it can be conducted remotely and administered to multiple apprentices at the same time, potentially reducing cost

Delivery

The scenario based case study with open ended questions designed by the EPAO must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The test can be computer or paper based.

The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks’ notice of the date and time of the test.

The test must consist of 6 long answer questions. Long answer questions need a written response. Responses to LAQs may be multiple lines, an approximate word count (such as 100 words), multiple paragraphs. This should be an extended writing opportunity for higher marked questions.

Mark scheme and grading guidance

The written descriptors that support the grade boundaries are:

The grading table shows both the numerical grade boundaries and written descriptors for the scenario based case study with open ended questions. The grade boundaries and written descriptors must be used by EPAOs to create valid and reliable mark schemes for the scenario based case study with open ended questions.

The mark scheme design and approach can be determined by the EPAO (e.g. either levels based-banded, points or a mixture). EPAOs should ensure that the questions within the scenario based case study with open ended questions mirror the level of demand set by the wording within the supporting written descriptors. This should be done by using the same command verb where possible (or a comparable verb, in terms of demand, where not).

The grading table should inform the question writing whilst also providing EPAOs with the numerical outcomes required for each level of attainment. Questions may be written that target part of the KSB statement, as long as, the full statement is assessed within the paper overall. However, EPAOs must ensure that the level of demand is not altered as per the supporting written descriptors.

Employers have determined the levels of performance required by apprentices on the scenario based case study with open ended questions. The minimum level of performance required to demonstrate competency at a pass standard is set at 60% (or 36 marks) of the total 60 marks available. To support overall standards alongside the overall mark requirements, apprentices must also achieve a minimum number of marks against the following themes.

• Vision impairment - 12 marks
• Access to information - 4 marks
• Legislation - 8 marks

To demonstrate a distinction, the standard is set at 85% (or 51 marks) of the 60 marks available.

EPAOs must ensure that their mark scheme approach supports these required standards in a reliable way. Specifically, if a levels-based, banded mark scheme design is used then the quality of performance described within each band descriptor should be set in an appropriate way to safeguard standards.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 90 minutes to complete the test.

The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.

The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.

The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example, with 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.

The EPAO is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the test.

Marking

The EPAO must develop a marking scheme based on the grading descriptors for this assessment method. The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow the marking scheme produced by the EPAO.

The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of tests with written answers.

Assessment location

The apprentice must take the test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.

The test can take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.    

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.  

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the test:

• assessment materials for independent assessors and markers which includes:
  
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • test specification
  • sample test and mark schemes
  • live tests and mark schemes
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the practical assessment with questioning, professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio and scenario based case study with open ended questions in line with this EPA plan.

The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve a merit, an apprentice must achieve a distinction in two methods. In order to achieve an overall EPA distinction, apprentices must achieve a distinction in all the EPA methods to get an overall distinction.

Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.

If the apprentice fails the practical assessment with questioning, the apprentice may choose to create a new route that meets the criteria. Alternatively they can request to use the second uncontrolled crossing within their original route.

Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of if pass they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Special considerations

The EPAO must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a special consideration
• what special considerations will be given

Special considerations must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.

EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.

They must also appoint independent assessors who:

• have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 5 gained in the last 2 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
• have professional body membership with:
  • a vision rehabilitation professional body with registered status

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

• completing applicable assessment methods online, for example computer-based assessment

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship aligns with:

• Rehabilitation Workers Professional Network (Rehabilitation Specialists) for Level 5