What is the special dispensation for the observation assessment of the Poultry Technician standard?

A temporary dispensation has been applied to the assessment plan version ST0467/AP01 for this apprenticeship. The dispensation starts from 5 December 2022 and will run until the revised end-point assessment (EPA) plan is published. However, it may be withdrawn if the assessment plan is revised sooner or the dispensation is no

longer necessary.

Consequently, the observational practical assessment (OPA) has been replaced with an extended question and answer (Q&A) session informed by specific video and photographic evidence to set requirements.

The apprentice is required to collate video and photographic evidence following the EPA gateway. This is to avoid any crossover with the portfolio of evidence.

VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE

The video evidence must be comprised of three set tasks that target a range of knowledge, skills, and behaviours assigned to this assessment method.

Each task will require video evidence to be a maximum of 15 minutes in length and captured in the workplace or other suitable environments.

Examples of genuine real-world activities that align with the evidence requirements are preferred. The tasks may be simulated where required (e.g. to support seasonal availability). However examples of genuine real-world activities that align with the evidence requirements are preferred, where possible.

The photographic evidence will support the video evidence by capturing other areas of performance against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours not covered by the three set tasks. The quantity of images will vary depending on the nature of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours being captured.

Both the video and photographic evidence must be obtained post-gateway to avoid any crossover with the portfolio of evidence.

QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

During your assessment planning meeting, a date for the question and answer session will be agreed. The apprentice must submit the completed tasks 10 days prior to this date. This is to enable the End-Point Assessor to review the tasks and generate the relevant questions.

The video and photographic evidence will be reviewed by the apprentice and the End-Point Assessor during the question and answer session. The question and answer session, which can take place remotely, will last a maximum of two hours (inclusive of reviewing all evidence, such as playing the video evidence).

GRADING

This assessment is graded as distinction, pass or fail according to the grading criteria.

To achieve a pass in this assessment, the apprentice must meet all the pass criteria.

To be awarded a distinction, the apprentice must:

• meet all the pass criteria

• demonstrate that they are able to work without supervision

• demonstrate that in preparation for the assessment they have identified and implemented improvements in at least two skills areas (these can be taken from the core list or from the relevant option)

• demonstrate improvement focus in behaviours.

If the apprentice does not meet all the pass criteria, this assessment will be graded as a fail

We use Microsoft r online assessments, so apprentices should ensure they have downloaded this software and are familiar with how it works. A video conference between the apprentice and the End-Point Assessor is arranged. The session is recorded in full for further reference and quality monitoring.