Question: What changes will there be to when an EPA plan states an assessment must be conducted face-to-face?

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
section_headers: Questions and answers
Is the government prescribing a particular form or process for the risk assessment?
section_content: No. Local authorities and educational settings will have their own
arrangements in place. We trust local leaders to agree what the most
appropriate and proportionate formats are.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This is a vague statement that is not clearly related to face-to-face meetings.
Too short and vague. Doesn't mention in-person EPA assessments at all.

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Bad

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
section_headers: Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
We can deliver part of the EPA, but some sections require direct observation. How do we deal with these components?
section_content: These elements of the EPA will need to be rescheduled if they cannot be
undertaken remotely. If the EPA timeframe needs to be extended beyond what is
allowed in the assessment plan, the EPAO should seek agreement from the EQA
provider. Where a specified assessment method for a specific standard might be
adjusted without threatening safety and in a manner in which it meets the
original intent, EPAOs should discuss this option with their EQA provider, who
may refer it to IFATE for authority. The substitution of assessment methods is
not considered appropriate at this time.
With the prior authority of their EQA provider, assessments may be conducted
in an appropriate simulated environment, such as a training facility.
[EPA]: end-point assessment
  [EQA]: external quality assurance
  [EPAOs]: end-point assessment organisations
  [IFATE]: Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Discusses how assessments that must be handled in person will be modified during the pandemic.
This gives some information about what should be done if a meeting needs to be face-to-face, but is a little vague on how a face-to-face meeting can be conducted.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
section_headers: Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
Where the EPA plan states that assessment must be conducted face-to-face, but cannot be under the current circumstances, can we conduct these remotely?
section_content: Where an assessment method requires face to face engagement, this can be
conducted remotely, subject to the following conditions:

arrangements are cleared in advance by the EQA provider
the apprentice’s identity is verified

remote tests are supervised by an appropriately trained invigilator or assessor who:

has the necessary qualifications, training or experience
and who has not been involved in the training, preparation or line management of the apprentice
appropriate technology and systems are in place
the impact that remote assessment may have on apprentices is to be taken into consideration to ensure a fair and reliable assessment of occupational competence
here alternatives are not appropriate, a pause and rescheduling might be the only action. An extension of 12 weeks is allowable for those EPA plans where a time limit is specified from gateway to EPA. It is to be logged on and shared with EQA providers on a timely basis



[EQA]: external quality assurance
  [EPA]: end-point assessment

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Has clear guidance on how to handle in-person assessments during the pandemic.
This gives a detailed list of conditions required for a face-to-face meeting.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent