What happens if I fail the EPA?

If you fail one or both components of the EPA, you will be given one opportunity to retake the failed part(s). You must discuss a retake plan with your employer and training provider. There is no limit on the number of retakes, but you must pay for each retake. It's important to use the feedback from your assessor to improve before retaking.

How long does the practical observation last?

The practical observation typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. During this time, you will be observed completing a range of routine animal care tasks. The assessor will not interrupt you but may ask questions afterwards to clarify your actions.

Can I use notes during the professional discussion?

No, you cannot use notes or prompts during the professional discussion. However, you can bring a portfolio of evidence (e.g., work records, witness statements) to refer to, but the discussion itself should be from memory. The assessor will ask open-ended questions to explore your knowledge and experience.

What types of animals might I be assessed on?

You will be assessed on the animals you work with regularly in your workplace. This could include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, or even reptiles and fish. The assessor will observe you handling and caring for these animals as part of your normal duties.

Do I need to know the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in detail?

Yes, you should have a good understanding of the key principles of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, especially the duty of care to ensure an animal's welfare needs are met. You should be able to explain how this law applies to your daily work, such as providing suitable environment, diet, and veterinary care.

How is the EPA graded?

The EPA is graded as Fail, Pass, or Distinction. To achieve a Pass, you must demonstrate competence in all areas. A Distinction requires you to show deeper understanding and consistent high-quality practice, such as proactively identifying welfare issues and implementing improvements. Your overall grade is based on both components.

Sheldrake Training Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant EPA - Core Content

SHELDRAKE TRAINING LIMITED

vocational

This subtopic covers the essential competencies for an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant, including animal husbandry, health monitoring, safe handling, and compliance with welfare legislation. It ensures apprentices can apply these in real work environments to maintain high standards of care and safety.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Sheldrake Training Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant EPA

Topic Overview

The Sheldrake Training Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of the Animal Care and Welfare Assistant apprenticeship. This assessment evaluates your competence in providing high-quality care for a range of animals, including domestic pets, small mammals, birds, and exotic species. You must demonstrate practical skills in feeding, handling, health monitoring, and maintaining clean, safe environments, as well as theoretical knowledge of animal behaviour, nutrition, and welfare legislation.

This EPA is crucial because it confirms you meet the industry standard for entry-level animal care roles, such as kennel assistant, cattery assistant, or animal welfare assistant. The assessment is designed by Sheldrake Training Limited and aligns with the UK's apprenticeship standards, ensuring you are job-ready. Successfully passing this EPA not only awards you a nationally recognised qualification but also provides a solid foundation for career progression into higher-level animal care or veterinary nursing.

The EPA consists of two main components: a practical observation and a professional discussion. During the practical observation, you will be observed carrying out routine animal care tasks, such as cleaning enclosures, preparing diets, and handling animals safely. The professional discussion then explores your understanding of animal welfare, health and safety, and your ability to reflect on your practice. Both components are assessed by an independent end-point assessor from Sheldrake Training.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→The Five Freedoms of animal welfare: freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain/injury/disease, fear/distress, and freedom to express normal behaviour. These underpin all care practices.
→Safe handling and restraint techniques for different species (e.g., dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs) to minimise stress and prevent injury to both animal and handler.
→Recognising signs of ill health: changes in appetite, behaviour, coat condition, faecal consistency, and vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration).
→Cleaning and disinfection protocols: correct use of species-safe cleaning products, dilution rates, and contact times to prevent disease spread.
→Legal and ethical responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including duty of care and the need to report concerns.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Identify key welfare needs as defined by the Animal Welfare Act
Apply hygiene protocols to prevent disease transmission
Demonstrate safe handling techniques for common domestic animals
Record and report changes in animal health or behaviour accurately
Prepare and distribute appropriate feed according to dietary plans

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for correctly identifying signs of pain or distress in animals
Evidence of maintaining a clean and safe working environment
Demonstrating appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Accurate completion of daily animal observation records

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Always cross-reference actions with workplace policies during practical assessments
💡Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique when describing your experiences in the professional discussion
💡During the practical observation, talk through your actions. For example, when cleaning a kennel, say 'I'm removing soiled bedding first, then applying disinfectant with a 10-minute contact time.' This shows the assessor you understand the 'why' behind each step.
💡In the professional discussion, use specific examples from your workplace. Instead of saying 'I check animals daily,' say 'Every morning I check each dog's eyes, ears, and coat condition, and I record any changes in their daily log.' This demonstrates real competence.
💡Know your Five Freedoms inside out. Be prepared to explain how you apply each one in your daily routine. For instance, 'I ensure freedom from discomfort by providing soft, dry bedding and checking temperature in the kennel area.'

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Confusing distress signals with normal behaviour
Inadequate handwashing between animal contacts
Overfeeding or incorrect portion sizes
Misconception: 'All animals need the same basic diet.' Correction: Nutritional requirements vary hugely between species and even individual animals. For example, rabbits need high-fibre hay, while cats require taurine in their diet. Always follow species-specific feeding guidelines.
Misconception: 'If an animal is quiet, it must be happy.' Correction: Many animals hide signs of stress or illness as a survival instinct. A quiet, withdrawn animal may be unwell or distressed. Always check for other signs like posture, breathing, and response to stimuli.
Misconception: 'Cleaning with bleach is always best.' Correction: Bleach can be toxic to animals if not rinsed properly. Use animal-safe disinfectants and follow manufacturer instructions for dilution and contact time. Some species, like birds, are particularly sensitive to fumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Completion of the Animal Care and Welfare Assistant apprenticeship on-programme learning, including mandatory units on animal health, handling, and welfare.
•Basic understanding of animal anatomy and common diseases (e.g., kennel cough, ringworm, fly strike).
•Familiarity with workplace health and safety procedures, including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and risk assessments.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Animal welfare principles
Health and safety compliance
Practical animal handling
Hygiene and biosecurity
Feeding and nutrition basics
Record keeping and reporting

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Sheldrake Training Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant EPA - Core Content

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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