Are you prepared for EPA reform?

With the recent revision to the Early Years Educator standard and it being chosen to be one of the first standards to go through EPA reform, we understand the importance of ensuring that all apprentices are supported through a clear, consistent, and meaningful approach to assessment.

At VTCT Skills, we’re passionate about working collaboratively with training providers to co-create an assessment strategy that reflects the needs of learners, employers, and the sector as a whole. Our goal is to help you navigate these changes confidently and ensure every apprentice has the opportunity to succeed.

We’d love to explore how we can support your delivery teams and apprentices with:

  • Interpreting and implementing the revised strategy
  • Designing assessment methods that are inclusive and effective
  • Sharing best practices and resources tailored to Early Years settings

We have set up a specialist session on the 23rd January 2026 at 10am, to engage with and support EPA providers with the changing environment. To get involved simply fill out the form below. 

 

Sign up today
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Why VTCT Skills

Unmatched Early Years expertise

Direct access to sector leaders like Sandy Sylvester Silvester, former Trailblazer Chair, and Mark Child, award-winning sector specialist.

Transparent pricing

No hidden fees, no registration costs, and free diagnostic support visits to ensure providers get value for money.

Proven, responsive support

94% customer satisfaction, with a dedicated Key Account Manager, EPA booking team, and expert customer support so you're never left chasing answers.

Practical, results-focused preparation

Free CPD, workbooks, and resources designed to help apprentices not just pass, but excel.

Assessments grounded in real practice

Contextual questioning in professional discussions to ensure apprentices can apply their skills in real-world settings.

Seamless EPA process

Fast turnaround times and easy booking with EPA Pro.

Having worked with VTCT Skills for several years at other providers, I have always found them to be true stars in the AO, EQA, EPAO world.

I have always found they listen, support, help and deliver.

Even though they have grown substantially when you speak to them you still feel like you are their number one customer, big or small.

I cannot fault what I have experienced since starting here, the service VTCT Skills has provided us with for our EYE EPA and their supportive, and flexible nature in ensuring we achieve as many learners as possible in year, even putting on weekend assessments to meet our needs, weekly check ins, consistent communication and employing more EPAs to deal with demand.

There may be bigger, more well-known EPAOS out there for EYE, but, trust me, give them a go you won’t be disappointed.

 

Lisa Tyrer, Head of Quality

Busy Bees Education and Training

 At Parenta Training, we’ve been extremely impressed with the EPA service from VTCT Skills, especially over the busy summer months when demand is high for completion. Their reliability, commitment and support have been invaluable in helping us deliver the best outcomes for our learners, ensuring these learners can move forward in their early year’s careers without delay.

Lisa Gooding, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Manager

Parenta Training

VTCT Skills has provided a comprehensive package of support, including personal visits to the department, bespoke training designed to meet the needs of our assessors, and clear, practical guidance throughout the apprenticeship journey. Sandy, Mark and Kelly have ensured that both the team and individual assessors are well equipped to deliver high-quality learning experiences and achieve successful outcomes for apprentices. We are looking forward to developing our working partnerships further and our apprenticeship journey with VTCT Skills and the Early Years team. 

Rachel Fomiatti, Head of Department for Education and Early Years

Kirklees College

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Our Supported Standards

early-years-educator-new-500px

Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner

Level 2

STO088

Find out more
early-years-practitioner-500px

Early Years Educator

Early Years Educator

Level 3

STO135

Find out more
teaching-assistant-new-500px

Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Level 3

STO454

Find out more
Early years (socials)

Early Years Lead Practitioner

Early Years Lead Practitioner

Level 5

STO551

Find out more

Meet your sector specialists

Sandy Silvester– Former Trailblazer Chair & Early Years Expert

With 31 years in the Early Years sector, Sandy has led training and development for some of the UK’s leading Early Years employers. Her experience includes: 

  • Chair of the Early Years Educator Trailblazer group 

Shaping the apprenticeship standards that define the industry. 

  • Former Director of Learning & Development at Busy Bees  

Bringing real operational insight to apprenticeship training. 

  • Helping providers set apprentices up for success  

Delivering expert-led CPD, training, and hands-on EPA guidance. 

Book a meeting
Sandy Silvester

Mark Child – Award-Winning Early Years Sector Specialist

With 30+ years dedicated to Early Years education, Mark has been instrumental in designing high-quality training, assessment strategies, and qualification frameworks. His experience includes: 

  • Shaped UK and international apprenticeship standards  

Ensuring training remains relevant and high quality. 

  • Named ‘Individual of the Year’ by the Federation of Awarding Bodies

Recognised for outstanding contribution to assessment and education.

  • Driving best practice in Early Years apprenticeships  

Supporting providers and employers to enhance training and improve apprentice outcomes. 

Book a meeting
Mark Child square

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