Where does the practical observation for the Early Years Lead Practitioner standard take place and who is involved?

The location of the observation must take place within the normal work environment to ensure all safety, security and confidentiality permissions are managed appropriately.

The timing of the observation must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate all of the knowledge skills and behaviours mapped to this assessment method, such as engaging with colleagues and with parents and guardians.

The apprentice must have sought the permission of parents/guardians of all children who are likely to be present during the observation.

The apprentice should provide clear information to the children, parents, or guardians on the purposes of the observation and where any notes related to the observation will be stored.

The apprentice should explain to all parents or guardians that there will be no recorded information that would enable the identification of any participants except the apprentice.

Children must be allowed to withdraw from a session of assessed practice without prejudice.

In this occupation, it would be considered poor practice to force a child to participate in an opportunity of experience against their will. If all children withdraw from the observation, the apprentice would be expected to encourage the children to engage in an alternative opportunity or experience. If this requires the session to be rearranged, this opportunity will not be viewed as a resit/retake.

Evidence of the above should be presented to the End-Point Assessment Organisation two weeks before the date of the observation.