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Learner Handbook Leader Apprenticeships with NPQs Autumn 2026

Table of Contents Welcome.............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Key Contacts ........................................................................................................................................................ 4 Your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programme ................................................................................................ 5 Your apprenticeship programme ........................................................................................................................... 5 What to expect from your apprenticeship ............................................................................................................. 7 Programme structure............................................................................................................................................ 7 Enrolment & Onboarding .....................................................................................................................................12 Programme phases ..............................................................................................................................................13 Supporting your leadership learning .....................................................................................................................17 People and progress ............................................................................................................................................18 Off-the-job training (OTJT) ...................................................................................................................................24 Engagement and compliance ...............................................................................................................................26 Additional learning support (ALS) .........................................................................................................................27 Online platforms .................................................................................................................................................28 Assessment .........................................................................................................................................................29 Policies and processes – in practice ......................................................................................................................31 Additional benefits ..............................................................................................................................................32 Appendix A – Dates for your diary ........................................................................................................................34 Appendix B – Dates for your diary ........................................................................................................................42 Appendix C – Dates for your diary ........................................................................................................................52 Appendix D – Apprenticeship Portfolio / learning journal .....................................................................................63

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Welcome Thank you for choosing Best Practice Network (BPN) as your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ provider. BPN is a leading provider of leadership development in the education sector, and we are very proud to be working together with you, as you undertake this highly innovative ‘dual award’ programme. We want colleagues taking part in their programme to become even better leaders, as well as gain both awards. The team is here to help and support you to maximise this opportunity, so please contact us if you have any questions. The main purpose of this Learner Handbook is to give you an insight into the key information you need throughout your programme. The information contained here is very important and will support you in your successful completion of your programme, so please keep it readily accessible. With the support of your in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) and employer, and your BPN-appointed Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC), we hope you thrive on this programme, and we look forward to hearing about your learning, impacts, and successes. Best wishes, Laura Saunders Lead Facilitator, Best Practice Network

Our vision For every: ▪

child to benefit from an excellent education, regardless of background

▪

education professional to be able to grow and give their best

We are committed to a sustainable school-led partnership that: ▪

provides all schools with access to outstanding leadership development

▪

delivers Leader Apprenticeships with National Professional Qualifications designed by school leaders for school leaders

▪

meets the needs of the school-led system

▪

combines national quality assurance with locally driven accountability

▪

measures the impact of our work on learners, leaders and school improvement

This is the foundation of everything BPN is setting out to achieve and on which we set our standards for quality professional development and training.

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Our values Best Practice Network is one of the UK’s largest providers of training, development and support for education professionals. We share the desire of every practitioner, that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. Our core values define what we stand for and how we do things, helping us to work together in the most fulfilling way to provide the best service to our learners and partners.

Key Contacts Your APC will be your main point of contact. They will guide, support and help you to achieve the most from your programme. They will contact you and your in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) by email after your First Day of Learning (FDoL) event. Additionally, key contacts for your time on programme are as follows:

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BPN Office Phone

0117 920 9200

Support Team Email

NPQ@bestpracticenet.co.uk

Report a safeguarding concern

https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/safeguarding safeguarding@bestpracticenet.co.uk

Your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programme Your programme is an Apprenticeship with an embedded NPQ. They have been mapped rigorously to enable you to complete both elements as one. To successfully complete the programme, you are required to undertake both elements in full, including their assessments. Your apprenticeship programme is supported by the NPQ in order for you to contextualise and apply your learning in practice with sector-specific knowledge and practices. Apprenticeship standards and NPQs work slightly differently to each other in terms of engagement and compliance requirements so this Learner Handbook offers everything you need for successful learning and completion on programme. The in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) will have an Employer Handbook to support them.

Your apprenticeship programme Apprenticeships have a long history and exist to support people in applying new learning in practice. Today, they provide a route within our sector to ensure professionals have the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to have impact and progress. BPN offer a broad range of apprenticeships, creating relevant and impactful learning solutions for practitioners across your setting. More information can be found on BPN’s apprenticeship offer here. Level 2

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 2 Playworker Apprenticeship Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

Level 3

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship SEND

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Level 4

Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLT Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLTD Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC

Level 5 Leader Apprenticeship with NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders)

Level 5

Level 5 Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) Level 5 Leader Apprenticeship with NPQSENCO (National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinator) Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5 Wellbeing Leadership programme Level 5 Coaching in Education

The Leader Apprenticeships with NPQs are an innovative and exciting way of learning for leaders in the education sector, offering accessibility, flexibility and cross-sector learning with the apprenticeship standard, alongside sector-specific knowledge from the DfE’s NPQ. The programmes harness the notion of apprenticeships being work-based learning programmes so that you can apply relevant learning in a practical way, upskilling you in your current role, whilst preparing you for future roles. Both the Skills England Apprenticeship Standards and the BPN NPQ frameworks are designed to enable a great deal of choice for leaders in ensuring their learning journey is bespoke to them. The tripartite induction meeting enables all learners to create and track their individual learning plan comprising new knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSB) from the standard as well as Learn That and Learn How To statements from the DfE NPQ Framework; with support from the tripartite. Both elements of the programme are assessed summatively. Your Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC) will explain the programme in full detail to both you and your in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (‘employer’) during your Induction meeting. Your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ is supported and funded in the same way as standalone apprenticeships: by the National Apprenticeship Service and Education and Skills Funding Agency.

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Therefore, the majority of the compliance requirements of your programme derive from apprenticeship requirements and underpin the activity you will undertake throughout.

There is no maximum age limit for an apprenticeship, but they are for those aged 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education. Apprenticeship learners can be new or current employees. You can access the latest news, information and misconceptions about apprenticeships here: Amazing Apprenticeships. For providers and employer-providers, receiving funding for delivering apprenticeship training and onprogramme assessment in England, these rules form part of the terms and conditions for the use of funds for an apprenticeship or for government-employer co-investment: Apprenticeship funding rules.

What to expect from your apprenticeship 🎓 Regular support from your Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC) Your APC will support your learning, check your progress, coach and challenge you and help you stay on track.

🔄 Tripartite reviews every month You will meet with your APC and in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) as a tripartite to review and celebrate progress, having coaching conversations and agree next steps.

📝 Workload balance support We will help you to manage your workload and develop your skills to learn and succeed in ways relevant to you.

❤️ Wellbeing and pastoral support If you are struggling with anything inside or outside of work, we are here to help.

✍️ Guidance on completing your portfolio / learning journal We will support you to collect evidence of your learning throughout your programme to use at Assessment.

📈 Clear steps to successful completion From induction to your assessment period, we will guide and support you through every stage.

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Programme structure All Leader Apprenticeships with NPQ programmes feature cyclical structure with ongoing support elements. They all employ a blended delivery model, balancing synchronous activities (face-to-face events, coaching, and monthly reviews) with asynchronous components (practice activities, , offline check-ins, formative assessment tasks, and online modules). This approach allows you to benefit from real-time support and challenges while engaging in flexible, bite-sized learning activities that accommodate your busy work schedule. Your Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC) and in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) will provide feedback and guidance throughout all aspects of the programme. The programme is divided into three main phases: •

Induction period

• •

Main learning period (consisting of multiple cycles) Assessment period

For detailed information, please refer to the programme specifications. All programme elements contribute to the statutory overall compliance and engagement requirements for the practical (funded) period with the intended purpose of achieving the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) of the apprenticeship standard, which incorporates the NPQ programme, as set by Skills England and the Department for Education (DfE). This means that all apprenticeship off-the-job training (OTJT) hours are built into the programme. The LAwNs programmes are apprenticeships with NPQs mapped in. Both the apprenticeship and NPQ elements of each programme must be undertaken to progress to the assessment phase. It is not possible to start on programme and withdraw from the apprenticeship, keeping only the NPQ element. The apprenticeship standard for your LAwNs programme is shared below, accompanied by the NPQ framework that is embedded into your programme:

Leade r Appre ntices hip with NPQS L

Apprenticeship Standard (Skills England)

NPQ Framework (DfE)

Level 5 Learning and

NPQSL framework:

Development

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63a1dc7a

Apprenticeship Standard:

8fa8f539198d9bca/NPQ_Senior_Leadership_FINAL_Ref.p

https://skillsengland.educ

ation.gov.uk/apprentices hip-standards/st0563

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Leade r Appre ntices hip with NPQH

Level 5 Learning and

NPQH framework:

Development

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl

Apprenticeship Standard:

oads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1125999/NP

https://skillsengland.educ

Q_Headship_FINAL_Ref.pdf

Leade r Appre ntices hip with NPQL T

Level 4 Project Manager

NPQLT Framework:

Apprenticeship Standard:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66c4ae95

https://skillsengland.educa

67dbaeb97a13e4c7/NPQ_Leading_Teaching_.pdf

Leade r Appre ntices hip with NPQL TD

Level 4 Project Manager Apprenticeship Standard:

NPQLTD Framework:

https://skillsengland.educa tion.gov.uk/apprenticeship s/st0310-v1-5

057d859c0e8fa7c4/NPQ_Leading_Teacher_Development_

Leade r Appre ntices hip with NPQL BC

Level 4 Project Manager

NPQLBC Framework:

Apprenticeship Standard:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66c49042

https://skillsengland.educ

b75776507ecdf46e/NPQ_Leading_Behaviour_and_Culture

ation.gov.uk/apprentices

_.pdf

Leade r Appre ntices hip

Level 5 Learning and

NPQSENCO Framework:

Development

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-

Apprenticeship Standard:

professional-qualifications-frameworks-from-september-

https://skillsengland.educ

2021

ation.gov.uk/apprentices hip-standards/st0563

tion.gov.uk/apprenticeship s/st0310-v1-5

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66c4908b .pdf

hips/st0310-v1-5

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 9

with NPQS ENCO

ation.gov.uk/apprentices hip-standards/st0563

The broad programme structures highlight key elements of the curriculum and delivery method:

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Leader Apprenticeship with NPQSL Level 5 Learning and Development Apprenticeship with NPQSL

Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH Level 5 Learning and Development Apprenticeship with NPQH

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Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLT Level 4 Project Manager Apprenticeship with NPQLT

Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLTD Level 4 Project Manager Apprenticeship with NPQLTD

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Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC Level 4 Project Manager Apprenticeship with NPQLBC

Leader Apprenticeship with NPQSENCO Level 5 Learning and Development Apprenticeship with NPQSENCO

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The ‘monthly tripartite reviews and coaching’ will (live) on Teams. Your first monthly tripartite review, the induction meeting will take place soon after your First Day of learning (FDoL) event.

Enrolment & Onboarding Initial activities & Documentation evidence Following your application, you will have been asked to complete a variety of tasks, including: •

Some enrolment tasks in BUD

•

Complete your Skills Scan on BUD

•

Undertake your maths and English Initial Assessments on BKSB

•

Evidence eligibility to be on programme (including residency in England)

These are all very important and a requirement of you starting on programme with ease. Following these initial activities, you will be invited to a short enrolment call with a member of the BPN team to ensure everything is in place for a successful start on programme.

Enrolment call summary Following completion of your initial enrolment tasks, you will have been invited to a virtual video enrolment meeting with a member of our NPQ Support Team. This enrolment meeting covers essential aspects required for your successful start on programme, including: •

Checking in on prior required actions

•

ID verification

•

Qualifications

• •

Off-the-job-training requirements and hours Overview of BUD (and access)

•

Evidence of relevant or recognised prior learning or experience

•

Residency status

•

Details of nominated Apprenticeship Mentor (AM)

• •

Answering your questions Selecting an FDoL date

•

Issuing the Learner and Employer Handbooks

•

Issuing the Essentials Form

Following this enrolment meeting you and your employer will receive your contracts. These contracts include your Apprenticeship Agreement and Training Plan which are vital for starting your programme. Your apprenticeship contracts must be signed by both you and your employer prior to your start on programme. These are sent via BUD for digital signatures.

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Following these contracts being signed you will be invited to your First Day of Learning (FDoL) event which is your official start to the programme.

Programme phases Dates for your diary are in Appendices A-D of this Handbook. All activities are required as part of your programme, so it is important you are familiar with them.

Induction phase Once accepted onto programme, the induction phase is vital in engaging in a new learning programme effectively. The Induction phase of the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programmes includes a variety of activities.

First Day of Learning (FDoL) Your FDoL event is your first official learning activity, and it is important that you attend and complete a piece of work as a result. This is in order to ensure you have all the initial information you need for the start of the programme and undertake your first formal piece of learning to release the funding and comply with the requirements of starting your programme. Your AM/Employer is not required to attend the FDoL, but speaking with them about it is vital for their active involvement in your programme. The FDoL event takes the following form: FDoL requirement

Purpose

What to do

FDoL live event: virtual introduction, orientation and first learning (approx. 4560 minutes)

To get an overview of and introduction to the programme

During your enrolment call, you will have selected one of the FDoL date options to attend. This is a requirement of starting on programme. Whilst rescheduling is possible, it would mean your apprenticeship contracts would need to be re-signed ahead of your FDoL attendance, which would delay the start of your programme; so we encourage all learners to attend the one they have originally selected.

To understand who the key supporting people are on programme To undertake some initial leadershipfocused learning To register your attendance (to the full session) and begin your programme funding

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FDoL expert library learning (approx. 60 minutes)

To undertake your first piece of learning on programme

FDoL reflection piece (approx. 30 minutes)

To reflect on your learning from the recording

To learn something new, relevant to you and your context, about leadership

To demonstrate your reflection of learning To comply with funding requirements of the apprenticeship

Access the FDoL expert library (we will share a link in the live event), engage with at least one recording on the same day as the live FDoL introduction (selecting whichever one is most relevant to what you want to learn). Write 300-500 words of reflection on your new learning from the FDoL expert recording you engaged with. Upload reflection piece to BUD for your new APC to offer feedback on. Instructions about the reflection piece and how to upload it to BUD can be found alongside the recordings. This must be uploaded within 5 working days of the FDoL live event and feedback will be provided by the APC within a further 5 days.

Following successful completion of the FDoL activities, you and your Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) will hear from your new Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC) who will contact you to set up your first tripartite meeting: the induction meeting.

Induction meeting When your APC emails you and your in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) to introduce themselves, they will send some documents to get your tripartite relationship started, and you will arrange with them for the tripartite induction meeting to take place within 10 working days of the FDoL. During this meeting, you will use the Essentials Form – Parts 1 and 2 (provided during enrolment) and a coaching contract to get to know each other, set learning goals, understand the tripartite relationship a little more, and set the most relevant learning tasks on BUD (apprenticeship activities). NB: Your NPQ activities will be made available in May. During this meeting you will also discuss the importance and purpose of the tripartite interacting via reviews monthly.

Main learning cycles (including off-the-job training) Learning is at the heart of the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programmes. All elements demonstrated in the programme structure are designed to build your leadership knowledge, skills and behaviours to apply,

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with relevance, in your setting. All activities are required as part of your programme to ensure you are fully engaged, supported and compliant. In undertaking all required learning, it means that you are compliant with all off-the-job training (OTJT) requirements (a requirement of the apprenticeship).

Apprenticeship learning criteria Your apprenticeship will teach and assess your understanding and demonstration of a series of Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) outlined in the Skills England Apprenticeship Standard. These are the criteria assessed in the Apprenticeship Assessment (AA) in the assessment period.

Knowledge (K) The information, technical detail and ‘know-how’ that someone needs to have and understand to successfully carry out the duties. Some knowledge will be occupation-specific, whereas some may be more generic. Think of this as the underpinning knowledge you need to have to perform the role safely and competently. Knowledge covered in the apprenticeship are labelled as ‘K’ in BUD activities.

Skills (S) This is where knowledge is applied in a practical manner. Skills will have been learned through learning, training and experience. Skills covered in the apprenticeship are labelled as ‘S’ in BUD activities.

Behaviours (B) Behaviours are mainly referring to the mindset that the learner demonstrates. Behaviours are measured at A. The behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard for your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programmes are labelled in BUD activities as ‘B’.

NPQ learning criteria Your NPQ will teach and assess your understanding of a series of content areas, Learn That and Learn How To statements outlined in the DfE NPQ Framework. These are the criteria assessed in the Summative Assessment Task (SAT) in the assessment period (following AA).

Content Areas The NPQ leadership frameworks that are embedded into the LAwNs programmes contain ten content areas that guide the NPQ-specific content. These content areas contain a series of Learn That and Learn How To statements.

Learn That statements Learn That statements denote the school-specific knowledge you will learn on your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programme.

Learn How To statements

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Learn How To statements denote the school-specific skills you will learn about and apply on your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programme.

Maths and English (formerly Functional Skills) As we all know, maths and English underpin success in all jobs and career paths. All apprenticeships include opportunities for learners to develop their knowledge, understanding and use of maths and English; and the subjects are holistically embedded through discussions about relevant aspects of maths and English pertaining to leadership, throughout your programme. It is up to employers if they wish their adult apprentice learners (over 19 yrs at programme start) to study maths and/or English and take these qualifications (where Level 2 English and or maths have not been achieved previously). This will have been discussed at your enrolment call. For the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programmes, you will need to undertake initial assessments in Level 2 maths and English on BKSB to demonstrate your working knowledge and understanding of English and maths. This is a requirement under DfE funding rules.

Assessment Following completion of the learning cycles and successfully meeting the engagement and compliance requirements of the programme, you will transition into the assessment period. This is your opportunity to showcase all that you have learnt and to support you towards certification and qualifications. There are several parts to it. More detail is provided later in this Learner Handbook, and in the Employer Handbook. You will also receive Assessment Guidance later in your programme. Skills England are currently reviewing apprenticeships and some of the approaches and terminology around assessment. This may mean that, on your programme, you see the terms below used interchangeably whilst the review takes place: Current Terminology

Planned Terminology

Definition

Gateway (GW)

Gateway to Completion (GWtC)

The period between the practical period of the apprenticeship and the completion of the End Point Assessment (EPA).

End Point Assessment (EPA)

Apprenticeship Assessment (AA)

An assessment that takes place, to make sure apprentices have reached the necessary level of competence to be awarded an apprenticeship certificate. The requirements for End-Point

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Assessment are set out in the assessment plan for each specific apprenticeship standard. The approach and parameters of the new Apprenticeship Assessment formulate the review. End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO)

Assessment Organisation (AO)

The independent body/organisation responsible for conducting the final assessment of a learner on an apprenticeship programme.

Supporting your leadership learning Commitment Commitment from all involved in the learners’ experience is both a priority and incredibly important to the success of learners on programme. In line with our values, Best Practice Network promises to help you to: ▪

gain confidence and develop skills, knowledge and behaviours as a leader in your setting

▪

successfully complete your programme

▪

develop high aspirations for your leadership as well as personal goals

▪

have a clear understanding of democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty

▪

experience high-quality, well-planned and sequenced content and training

▪

be enabled to own your learning in a contextually relevant way

▪

access appropriate and relevant careers information and guidance

▪

access learning around personal development, wellbeing, health and safety as is relevant

As part of your commitment, we ask you to: ▪

commit to your learning from the outset

▪

actively seek support and challenge from your Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) as the ‘employer’

▪

engage with all monthly tripartite reviews reliably and consistently

▪

attend all face-to-face events

▪

complete all online tasks and activities as set in a timely manner

▪

undertake a worthy project for EPA

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▪

complete all tasks and activities yourself and not attempt to use someone else’s work and submit it as your own (plagiarism) or use artificial intelligence (AI) to support you

If you need any support around understanding some learning, changing a scheduled monthly review meeting, or getting advice about pastoral/circumstantial issues, please speak with your APC as soon as you can to seek advice. If any of these commitments are not met, it could affect learner engagement and compliance on programme. In these unusual cases, the Participant Support Team will offer support to learners and employers to enable full engagement and commitment.

People and progress There are a number of people and organisations with direct and indirect involvement in your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programme. To provide a little more detail, the key people you will be working with on programme are outlined below. People with direct involvement in your programme Employer

A representative from the learner’s employer to sign off contracts and funding (e.g. MAT/LA representative, school bursar/business manager) – light touch in terms of involvement with the learner.

In-setting; representing the ‘employer’

Sponsor

A senior person in the learner’s setting (e.g. headteacher, chair of governors, ‘employer’ above, or learner’s line manager) who will complete the formal declaration of support for the learner, and allocate the AM.

In-setting; representing the ‘employer’

Apprenticeship Mentor (AM)

A colleague allocated by the sponsor who will offer practical and real-time support for the learner through monthly reviews, formative dialogue about the learner’s progress and development and support for the learner to fully engage with all elements of the programme.

In-setting; representing the ‘employer’

Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC)

Appointed by BPN, the APC will be the main point of contact for the learner throughout their programme. They will offer feedback on task submissions, support the learner to obtain evidence for the portfolio / learning journal, and coach the learner during the monthly tripartite reviews with the AM, preparing the learner for AA and SAT.

BPN-appointed, virtual interaction and ongoing synchronous feedback.

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Face-toface event facilitator(s)

Appointed by BPN, the facilitators lead the face-toface events and support learners’ learning and networking.

BPN-appointed, inperson interaction

Other learners

Learners across the country (online elements) and locally (FTF events) support and challenge each other, and network to share best practice.

Nationally, virtual interaction

As you are undertaking an apprenticeship, it is important that you also have some context about the other people and organisations supporting your programme indirectly: People with indirect involvement in your programme BPN Quality Team (incl. Internal Quality Assurers; IQAs)

This team will ensure the portfolio / learning journal of evidence you build whilst on programme meets the required quality standard and ensure all aspects of the programme delivery are of the highest standard so that you are well prepared for assessment. They also support assessment appeals, ensure you have completed all induction elements and you and your APC are consistently working at the required standard.

BPN Assessment Team

This internal team manage the operations of both the Apprenticeship Assessment and NPQ SAT during the assessment period of your programme. They provide all assessment guidance and support. They also manage all BPN-appointed assessors of the NPQ SAT.

BPN Support Team

This internal team offer support to learners around programme operations, engagement, feedback and evaluation, face-to-face events and changes of learner circumstances.

Assessment Organisation (AO)

All apprenticeship standards contain an Apprenticeship Assessment (AA). The AO is the independent, registered organisation who marks and oversees the assessment of the apprenticeship.

Ofsted

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They inspect organisations providing education and skills for learners of all ages. Ofsted are responsible for inspecting and reporting on the quality of training provision for apprenticeships. They are funded by the government. Best Practice Network, as a training provider, is inspected based on the various Ofsted Inspection Frameworks relevant to its work.

Department for Education (DfE)

The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England. The DfE created the reformed National Professional Qualification (NPQ) frameworks that are part of your programme.

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Skills England

Skills England is an executive agency, sponsored by the DfE. It is accountable for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults. They oversee the development approval and publication of Apprenticeship Standards and Assessment Plans as well as the occupational maps for T Levels and Apprenticeships.

Ofqual

Ofqual is the independent regulator for qualifications in England. Ofqual regulates the assessment of apprenticeship standards in England, set by Skills England.

Monthly review meetings You can expect the majority of your monthly tripartite reviews to be synchronous (live) review meetings. They will: ▪

involve you and your Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC) for the full 60 minutes

▪

involve your in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) for at least some of the 60 minutes

▪

take place on Microsoft Teams

▪

take a coaching approach to discussing your learning and applying it in a very real way to your context

▪

provide feedback on tasks

▪

review engagement and compliance

▪

prepare and review project progress

▪

gather portfolio / learning journal evidence

▪

identify alternative OTJT opportunities

▪

provide individualised support and challenge

▪

prepare for AA and SAT

▪

not involve your AM during the explicitly coaching-focused parts of your meetings

▪

require comments and signatures from the learner, the APC and the AM in reviews in BUD.

Reviews will also be used to record progress and outcomes of synchronous group coaching sessions.

Your APC will also interact with you in between monthly reviews to provide feedback and challenge in response to online task and activity submissions.

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Live group coaching with reviews (School Leader learners only) School Leader programme learners can expect to take part in two group coaching sessions with other learners. They will: ▪

be facilitated by your Apprenticeship Performance Coach (APC)

▪

involve you, your APC, and other learners for 60 minutes

▪

not involve your in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (AM) at all

▪

take place on Teams (via your dashboard)

▪

take a coaching approach to discussing your collective learning and application

▪

offer the opportunity to learn from colleagues

▪

provide group support and challenge

▪

prepare for AA and SAT

▪

always require comments and signatures from the learner and the APC in the reviews in BUD. The AM is not required to comment on or sign the group coaching reviews.

Welfare Questions Welfare questions around the following topics will also feature in every monthly review: •

personal development via BPN Boost

•

health and safety

•

safeguarding

•

Prevent

•

equality, diversity and inclusion

•

GDPR

•

British values

•

naturally-arising and professionally-related maths and English topics

•

careers information and guidance (CIAG)

Support and resources will be provided to APCs to ensure these welfare questions are fully embedded in an effective way for learners and employers.

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Off-the-job training (OTJT) Definition and requirement All elements of your programme contribute to the statutory overall compliance and engagement requirements for the practical (funded) period, with the intended purpose of achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours of both the apprenticeship and NPQ parts of the programme, as set by the Department for Education (DfE). It is extremely important you are fully engaged and compliant in order to complete your programme. To support you in engaging and complying throughout, all off-the-job training (OTJT) hours are built into the programme and include all NPQ-related tasks as well as additional activities on BUD. OTJT is a vital requirement for all apprenticeships. It helps to reinforce the practical, work-based skills completed on the job by the learner. It is defined as time spent during working hours, learning and/or applying new knowledge that is outside of the learner’s normal day-to-day duties. It must take place in the learner’s paid working time and involve acquiring new knowledge, skills or behaviours relevant to their apprenticeship standard, in this case akin to leadership development. If learning takes place out of the learner’s working hours and time off is given to the learner to compensate, that can be counted as OTJT hours. The OTJT hours are shown on BUD on your Learner Plan ‘Home’ page. Achieving the OTJT hours is relatively simple for learners to do on the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programmes, as their interactions on programme and all naturally arising instances of new learning during work time satisfy the requirements.

OTJT opportunities All OTJT hours are built into the Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programmes, and choice is offered to enable relevance to all learners’ individual contexts. However, if there are other naturally arising activities applicable to learners, they can undertake those. Any activity that is not part of the learner’s normal job and that relates to the apprenticeship they are working towards can count. Below are some examples of the more common types of activities: ▪

Training programmes, e.g. lectures, training days, in-house CPD sessions, informal discussions related to the apprenticeship standard

▪

Shadowing, being mentored or coached (including any coaching time during monthly reviews)

▪

Parts of learners contractually directed working hours that have not been allocated to their current role that can be allocated to new learning

▪

Practical application of all new learning in-setting

▪

Meetings with other leaders about something new to the learner

▪

Webinars, podcasts, reading and online learning

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 24

▪

Learning support provided by the ‘employer’

▪

Visiting other settings or educational organisations

▪

Writing assessments and assignments (including the project for School Leader only)

▪

Revision sessions for Apprenticeship Assessment

How will it be recorded? Learners and their Apprenticeship Mentors (representing the ‘employer’) will be supported by APCs to capture all OTJT activities throughout the programme. BUD will be used to record the OTJT hours.

What can’t be counted? ▪

Employer or BPN generic induction (the coaching-focused aspects of your induction meeting are permitted to be used as OTJT)

▪

Evidence-building, compliance and operational aspects of the reviews are not permitted (the coachingfocused parts of your reviews are permitted to be used as OTJT)

▪

Parts of Planning, Preparation and Assessment (PPA) time that are relevant to the learner’s current role

▪

The majority of learner’s contractually directed working hours (that have been allocated to their current role)

▪

English and maths tuition, assessments or exams

▪

Training that takes place outside of the learner’s working hours

OTJT support Each learner plans for opportunities as is relevant to them with their APC and AM during the induction meeting, selecting activities on BUD for your individual learning plan. The learning activities are reviewed monthly to support learners and employers in tracking OTJT hours and identifying appropriate opportunities for future OTJT. The learner's ‘employer’ is vital in the process of ensuring the OTJT requirement is met as they are crucial in allowing time and offering support for the learner in completing it and complying with programme engagement requirements. The employer signs contracts agreeing for real-time support for you during your time on programme. This is why learners are encouraged to develop a strong and supportive relationship with their in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor (AM).

Engagement and compliance It is extremely important you are fully engaged and compliant with the programme requirements in order to successfully complete your programme. To help you do that we have outlined a simple checklist

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 25

of headline engagement requirements* to ensure you are engaged and compliant at all times. As a representative of your employer, your in-setting Apprenticeship Mentor is contractually bound to support you on programme. Learner

APC

AM (on behalf of ‘employer’)

Maths and English

Complete Initial Assessments on BKSB

Offer support where a learner has selected to study maths and/or English and take the qualifications

Enable time and cover for learner to study as necessary and undertake exams if they have been selected with the learner

Face-to-face events

Attend all FTF events

Monthly tripartite reviews

Attend (and comment on and sign review on BUD) all monthly tripartite reviews

Monthly learning (all contributing to OTJT)

Undertake 90%+ of NPQ tasks on BUD

Provide coaching-style feedback, linked to the apprenticeship KSBs and NPQ Learn That and Learn How To statements on all online submissions, marking complete

Enable time, discussion, resource and opportunity for learner’s online task completion and application

Attend apprenticeship Gateway to Completion (GWtC) Review

Attend apprenticeship Gateway to Completion (GWtC)Review

Sign off apprenticeship GWtC documentation

Successfully prepare for and complete Apprenticeship AA methods 1 and 2 before SAT (Appendix B)

Support learner in preparing for and completing AA

Enable time for learner to undertake AA project (School Leader programme only) and complete AA

Undertake all tasks on BUD set by APC Undertaking both of these will ensure you are actively learning every month Assessment

Enable time and cover for learner to attend all FTF days in person

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 26

Attend NPQ Impact Review

Ensure all NPQ learning is complete and SAT can be entered

Complete NPQ SAT (after AA)

Enable time for learner to complete SAT (after AA)

*There are more detailed engagement and compliance requirements not listed here that your APC will support you with.

Additional learning support (ALS) Our aim at Best Practice Network is for all learners with additional learning needs (ALN) to have equal access to the curriculum and work towards meeting their full potential. ALS can be offered via discrete 1:1 specialist teaching, 1:1 specialist assignment support, in-class support, mentoring, exam access arrangements and assistive technology support. If you declare an ALN at application, enrolment or at any point on programme, your APC will support you in understanding how to formally accept or decline ALS. If you accept it, we will support you thoroughly through an ALS Plan that will be reviewed regularly. Please speak with your APC for further details.

Online platforms To engage in your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programme, you will need access to a set of linked online platforms: Platform

What you will use it for

BUD

All of your programme learning, online activity and compliance checks will take place through BUD. You will start by uploading relevant personal profile information and completing some initial tasks. Your APC will support you with navigation and identifying the most relevant activities for you. Each time you have a tripartite review with your APC and AM, you will record your comments and signatures via BUD. Your apprenticeship materials on BUD will be allocated to you by your APC as they are relevant for you to complete.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 27

Your AM will have access to BUD and be asked to comment on and sign reviews in there. The release of NPQ materials aligns with dates assigned by the DfE for the NPQ part of the programme. These release dates are fixed and sequenced to ensure an appropriate pace of learning, submission, and feedback. We carefully consider the academic year and holidays so that you can access the materials at the most appropriate times. Participant Dashboard

This will contain all the information you need for the face-to-face events, and allows you to view your event details and let us know about any dietary requirements or allergy information. As this information is unique to you, event details are not available on BUD. Your AM’s version of the dashboard will give them a ‘meet now’ button for these reviews, also.

BKSB

BKSB is an online programme that is used for your maths and English initial assessments and then in preparation for maths and English testing for LAwNs learners who have opted in. You should have already completed your initial assessments and have had this explained to you during your onboarding; if not, please contact us. For those who have opted in to taking maths and English whilst on programme, please speak to your APC for further support. Your AM will not have access to BKSB.

Teams and Zoom

Teams is used to host all synchronous monthly reviews. Zoom hosts online events such as your FDoL (first day of learning) live event and our expert-led talks. The registration links for any additional sessions, such as our expert-led webinars, will be on your Participant Dashboard. If your learner is part of a virtual set of face-to-face events (instead of in-person), the registration links for these events will be on the Participant Dashboard. A link to meet with your APC and AM can be found on the ‘Meet now’ tab of your dashboard.

To avoid missing out of important communications regarding any changes, we would suggest adding NPQ@bestpracticenet.co.uk and noreply@bestpracticenet.co.uk to your safe senders list in your email settings.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 28

Assessment When embarking on any learning programme, it is useful to understand from the beginning what you are working towards in terms of assessment. An overview of the LAwNs assessment period is provided here; and more detailed information will be provided by your APC and the Assessment Guidance at a later stage.

Gateway to Completion Review Undertaking Gateway to Completion is a requirement of the apprenticeship assessment (AA). To begin this period, you will undertake a tripartite Gateway to Completion Review with your APC and AM. To ‘enter Gateway to Completion’, you must have completed and achieved the minimum requirements necessary to undertake AA (as set out in the apprenticeship standard assessment plan); and then SAT. Once the AM, APC and learner (and sometimes a member of the Quality Team) are all in agreement that the learner is ready for assessment, Gateway to Completion documentation and a Gateway Review will be signed by all parties. The learner will then be ready to enter AA, which must be completed before undertaking the NPQ Summative Assessment Task (SAT).

Apprenticeship Assessment (AA) Apprenticeship Assessment (AA) is the name given to a series of assessments learners must take to pass the apprenticeship. It must be undertaken before learners are able to sit the NPQ Summative Assessment Task (SAT). The assessments are carried out by an independent Assessment Organisation (AO) and accounts for 100% of the assessment of the apprenticeship standard. Once the learner has successfully completed Gateway to Completion, the AO will work with Best Practice Network, the ‘employer’ and learner to schedule AA. During the AA phase, the learner completes the required assessments with continued support from their employer and BPN, demonstrating their understanding and application of the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in the apprenticeship standard. Currently, the assessment methods for AA are as follows: •

Assessment method 1: Undertake and report on a project

•

Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence (level 4) / learning journal (level 5). For more information on the portfolio / learning journal, please refer to Appendix B.

NB: In the cases of the portfolio / learning journal of evidence and the project, these will be collated/undertaken over the course of your programme.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 29

AA is externally assessed by the AO, resulting in a Distinction, Pass or Fail. On successful completion of all AA activities the AO will request the learner’s certificate from the DfE. This will be sent to the employer’s address marked for the attention of the learner. It can take up to eight weeks for certificates to arrive. As mentioned earlier, you may see the terms ‘Gateway’, ‘Gateway to Completion’, ‘End Point Assessment (EPA)’ and ‘Apprenticeship Assessment’ used when referencing the assessment of your apprenticeship.

NPQ Summative Assessment Task (SAT) Summative Assessment Task (SAT) is the name given to a single assessment learners must take to pass the NPQ element of the programme, and the programme as a whole. To be entered for the SAT, learners must have engaged with 90%+ of programme, including the apprenticeship assessment. Learners are asked to write a 2,500-word submission in response to an unseen case study assessing learners’ knowledge and understanding of the Learn That and Learn How To statements in the DfE NPQ Framework. Learners have an eight-day window (set by the DfE) in which to submit their response to the case study. Exact dates are given in Appendix A – dates for your diary. The SAT is internally marked, internally and externally moderated, resulting in either a Pass or Fail, with one opportunity for resitting. Results are awarded approximately 12 weeks after the submission window closes. Best Practice Network will provide further Assessment Guidance for all learners and employers.

Policies and processes – in practice Policies Please see full details of all BPN polices. If you have a safeguarding concern, you are asked to log the concern at https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/safeguarding. Our Safeguarding Leads will follow up according to BPN’s Safeguarding policy. At BPN, policies are active and working practices, supported by documentation, and as part of your programme, you will regularly speak with your APC about the importance of policy in practice. When in discussion about your learning, it will be vital for you to actively consider how you effectively lead or support the leadership of: ▪

Safeguarding

▪

Prevent

▪

British values

▪

Health and safety

▪

GDPR

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 30

▪

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Change of circumstances If any circumstances change, this may affect the apprenticeship agreement and affect both your programme and its funding. Please ensure you inform NPQ@bestpracticenet.co.uk with any changes to your circumstances which may affect your programme as soon as possible: ▪

Your job role or risk to job role

▪

Address, phone or email

▪

Any circumstance affecting your programme

▪

You have any worries or concerns

▪

You feel at risk at work (safety/harassment, bullying, victimisation)

For a change of employer, please complete the Change of Employer (CHoE) form, available in the participant dashboard..

Breaks in learning (BIL), deferrals and withdrawals, returns to learning BPN are here to support you throughout your learning journey. We recognise that, on occasion, learners may experience extenuating circumstances that mean they are unable to continue or need a formal break in learning or deferral. In these situations, we ask that learners contact us as soon as possible to discuss options for support on a case-by-case basis and in line with funding rules. We can offer a variety of options to continue, and this process is always learner-led and agreed formally. Learners considering requesting a break in learning (BiL) or withdrawal will need to contact Best Practice Network by emailing npq@bestpracticenet.co.uk. This will impact on your programme’s funding and the team can talk you through how this will affect your programme moving forward. Please see our terms and conditions for further detail. All returns to learning will also be treated on a case-by-case basis and in line with appropriate timing of the programme and funding rules, in order to enable the learner to re-engage successfully.

Complaints Should a learner wish to make a complaint about an aspect of the programme, the procedure for doing so can be accessed here.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 31

Additional benefits Post-nominals, membership & further qualifications When you have successfully completed your Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ programme and assessments, you are eligible to apply for the following post-nominals/further qualifications: ▪ ▪ ▪

The Chartered Management Institute Chartered Manager status Association of Apprentices Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme Masters (MA) in Educational Leadership with University of Chester (Headteacher and Executive Leader learners only)

Careers information and guidance (CIAG) and BPN Boost Providing insightful support and guidance about career development is vital when looking at your leadership progression, as well as on all apprenticeships. Our expert Apprenticeship Performance Coaches have all worked in education and will discuss your needs at any point during your programme. Several additional resources are signposted below: ▪ ▪

Skills England Occupational Maps The National Careers Service website

BPN provides a series of live webinars and asynchronous learning opportunities to support learners via BPN Boost which is in addition to regular discussions learners have with their APCs and AMs as part of their monthly review meetings. APCs will provide information about Boost.

Wellbeing Support Your wellbeing matters, and we are here to support you throughout your apprenticeship. Our dedicated workforce offer tailored guidance to help you succeed - whether that’s with learning, personal development, coaching and mentoring, or welfare concerns. Support is available for a wide range of needs, and we’ll work with you to make sure you can reach your full potential. External support can be offered via Mind for mental health support and advice; and ACAS for advice on workplace rights, disputes, and employment laws. If you have any concerns, speak to your APC or contact NPQ@bestpracticenet.co.uk. We are here to help.

Network groups We encourage all Leader Apprenticeship with NPQ learners to utilise the networking opportunity the programmes offer via face-to-face events, online discussion fora, expert webinars and group coaching (School Leader programme only).

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 32

Additionally, the apprenticeship funding of your programme offers additional opportunities for networking with the Association of Apprentices.

TOTUM TOTUM is the student discount card, and as you are undertaking an apprenticeship-funded programme, you are eligible to apply for one. The card has been saving UK students and learners cash for a great many years as it offers discounts on the things you buy every day. TOTUM has over 350 big name brands that you can access via the app or website, with a great deal of exclusive brands you won’t find anywhere else. Please contact NPQ@bestpracticenet.co.uk to request a TOTUM card.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 33

Appendix A – Dates for your diary Leader Apprenticeship with NPQSL These date windows are important to make a note of in your diary now for the upcoming 18+ months. This will help you to meet your required programme engagement which is essential for you maintain compliance and to proceed to the assessment period at the end of your programme. Each stage of your programme is marked in pink; the face-to-face event windows in blue and sections that involve your AM are marked in green. Date window

Element

Overview

Enrolment & Onboarding As programme applications are accepted

Following enrolment meeting

Initial maths and English assessments via BKSB

Undertake initial maths and English assessments in BKSB, regardless of exemption. This is an apprenticeship requirement.

BUD access

You will be given access to BUD and asked to complete some initial activities and provide enrolment documents in there. These are vital for progressing onto the programme.

Enrolment meeting

A brief virtual discussion via Zoom with a member of our Support Team to cover some important operational aspects, and questions you need answering to get you started successfully. This is between you and a member of the BPN Learner Support Team only. It will be followed up with a summary email, the ‘Essentials Form’ and Learner and Employer Handbooks.

Essentials Form – parts The form provides the opportunity at this stage 1 and 2 for your APC to get to know those things about you and to log a formal record of its contents in a way that supports you and meets funding regulations. Please complete the light pink sections of the Essentials Form (parts 1 and 2) prior to your FDoL and Induction meeting. You will complete the form during your Induction meeting with your APC (shortly after FDoL).

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 34

Part 1 if for the whole tripartite and Part 1 is confidential between learner and APC. 28th Sept. - 27th Nov 2026

First day of learning (FDoL)

(we will confirm your FDoL date in your Enrolment Call)

The FDoL contains three parts: 1. A supportive virtual synchronous welcome session about orientation and initial leadership learning delivered on Zoom or Teams; 2. An inspiring recorded learning session, selected from our library of expert webinar recordings, to be undertaken on the same day as part one; 3. Submit a reflective learning activity about your FDoL learning in BUD which must be submitted by you to BUD within 5 working days of the FDoL. The FDoL marks your official programme start date.

Induction Sept. - Nov. 2026

APC welcome

Once you have completed all three parts of your FDoL learning, you will be allocated an APC, who will send a welcome email to you and your insetting AM including to set up your Induction meeting (your first synchronous tripartite meeting).

Sept. - Nov. 2026

Induction meeting

Your first tripartite session between you, your APC, and your AM. You will discuss your goals for the programme, engagement, and compliance requirements, and design how your monthly tripartite relationship will look, so they lead to the most relevant learning for you.

(within 10 working days of FDoL)

It will be a rich, coaching-focused discussion where you will focus on goals for your learning and initial tasks to undertake in BUD. In your first month Induction activities in on programme BUD

After your FDoL activity, the next BUD activity you need to complete is the ‘Induction activity’ which we will set for you.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 35

2/11/26 – 27/11/26

Getting Started on your NPQ

An introductory module to the NPQ part of your programme, designed to accompany your Learner Handbook and Employer Handbook.

Dec. 2026

FTF event detail release

You will receive instructions for accessing your Participant Dashboard (this is not the same as BUD) . Here you will find the details of your FTF events. When you log in, you may not see your event information straight away. Please do not worry about this; it just means we are finalising your group and event details. We will notify you via email when these are available.

December 2026

Monthly tripartite review

30/11/26 – 18/12/26

NPQ Induction Cycle online course

Your first asynchronous online NPQ course, including interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self-study, and practice activities.

Face-to-face – event 1

Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners.

Learning Cycle One 04/01/2027– 22/01/2027

Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators.

When your specific face-to-face event dates confirmed, we will notify you via the participant dashboard.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 36

January 2027

Monthly tripartite review

25/01/27– 05/03/27–

NPQ Cycle One online course

Following on from the FTF event, this online NPQ course includes interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self1-study, practice activities, and a formative assessment task. You will also revisit key documents to record learning and progress to date.

Monthly tripartite review

01/02/2027 19/02/2027

Group coaching

An opportunity to engage with other school leaders to share best practice and problem solve collaboratively. Facilitated by your APC, your group coaching sessions take place on Teams. You and your APC will add comments and signatures to your Review as normal. Your AM will not need to attend.

Learning Cycle Two

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 37

15/03/2027 26/03/2027

Face-to-face – event 2

Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators.

March 2027

Monthly tripartite review

monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to update on progress, impacts, and tasks.

19/04/27 – 28/5/27

NPQ Cycle Two online course

Following on from the FTF event, this online NPQ course includes interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self-study, practice activities, and a formative assessment task. You will also revisit key documents to record learning and progress to date.

April 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks.

May 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks.

Learning Cycle Three 21/06/27 – 2/07/27

Face-to-face – event 3

Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of your programme, this event offers

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 38

opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators. July 2027

Monthly tripartite review

5/07/27 24/09/27

NPQ Cycle Three online course

August 2027

No review required

September 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks.

Monthly tripartite review

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 39

20/09/27 – 09/11/27

Group coaching

An opportunity to engage with other school leaders to share best practice and problem solve collaboratively. Facilitated by your APC, your group coaching sessions take place on Teams. Your AM will not need to attend but will need to add comments and a signature to BUD.

Ongoing online activities and portfolio / learning journal-building Your APC will support you in accessing all relevant apprenticeship activities on BUD, based on your feedback and feed forward in coaching and online tasks. You will then consider each completed activity as part of your portfolio / learning journal-building activity with your APC and AM. Apprenticeship assessment can take place from now on. This assesses (independently) the successful completion of the apprenticeship standard. It takes place approximately 4-12 weeks after Gateway to Completion. Assessment method 1: Work based project with Professional Discussion Assessment method 2: Presentation/Q&A based on the Learning Journal. https://innovateawarding.org/media/3dvj1w3r/level-5-learning-and-development-consultantbusiness-partner-v11-assessment-specification.pdf

Learning Cycle Four 8/11/27 – 19/11/27

Face-to-face – event 4

November 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks. The AM will not attend the coaching part of the synchronous discussions. These monthly reviews include the cyclical NPQ coaching the cyclical sessions are not additional). For some learners, this will be the Gateway to Completion Review (learners have to have been on programme for 12 months to be able to

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 40

undertake Gateway to Completion and begin Apprenticeship Assessment). 22/11/27 – 07/01/28

Cycle Four online course

December 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to update on progress, impacts, and tasks. All members of the tripartite will be ‘invited’ to comment on and sign a review on BUD to update, challenge and offer support for your development. You will have agreed a mutually agreed date for this at the previous live review. For some learners, this will be the Gateway to Completion Review (learners have to have been on programme for 12 months to be able to undertake Gateway to Completion and begin Apprenticeship Assessment).

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks. The AM will not attend the coaching part of the synchronous discussions. These monthly reviews include the cyclical NPQ coaching (the cyclical sessions are not additional). For many learners (those who have not already entered Apprenticeship Assessment), this will likely be the Gateway to Completion Review (learners have to have been on programme for 12 months to be able to undertake Gateway to Completion and begin Apprenticeship Assessment).

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 41

February 2028

Monthly tripartite review

March 2028

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks. The AM will not attend the coaching part of the synchronous discussions. These monthly reviews include the cyclical NPQ coaching (the cyclical sessions are not additional). For the small number of learners who have not already entered Apprenticeship Assessment, this will be the final opportunity for the Gateway to Completion Review. For most learners (who have already entered Apprenticeship Assessment), this will be one of the last opportunities for the NPQ Impact Review.

Assessment: Following completion of the learning cycles, and successfully meeting the engagement and compliance requirements, you will transition into the assessment period. January - March 2028

Apprenticeship assessment (AA)

AA assesses (independently) the successful completion of the apprenticeship standard. It takes place approximately 4-12 weeks after Gateway to Completion. Assessment method 1: Work based project with Professional Discussion Assessment method 2: Presentation/Q&A based on the Learning Journal. https://innovateawarding.org/media/3dvj1w3r/level-

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 42

5-learning-and-development-consultant-businesspartner-v11-assessment-specification.pdf

February – March 2028

Tripartite NPQ impact review

Live tripartite review session between you, your APC, and your AM to review your goals, engagement, and progress on the NPQ; and readiness for SAT. An opportunity to celebrate achievements, ensure portfolio / learning journal of evidence is in place, and prepare for SAT.

March 2028

SAT Briefing

A recorded briefing from the BPN Assessment Team about the SAT, available on BUD.

20/04/2028

Last NPQ task submission date

Any outstanding tasks need to be submitted by this date to count towards your 90%+ NPQ programme engagement and compliance.

12/05/2028 19/05/2028

NPQ Summative Assessment Task (SAT)

SAT assesses successful engagement with the DfE’s NPQ framework. Must take place after AA has been completed. You will complete and submit a 2,500-word response to an unseen case study in this 8-day window (set by the DfE).

NB: Face-to-face events will each be a full-day event, including lunch and break refreshments. Please be aware that all dates are subject to change. For up-to-date information, please always refer to your online platforms.

Appendix B – Dates for your diary Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH These date windows are important to make a note of in your diary now for the upcoming 18+ months. This will help you to meet your required programme engagement which is essential for you maintain compliance and to proceed to the assessment period at the end of your programme.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 43

Each stage of your programme is marked in pink; the face-to-face event windows in blue and sections that involve your AM are marked in green. Date window

Element

Overview

Enrolment & Onboarding As programme applications are accepted

Following enrolment meeting

Initial maths and English assessments via BKSB

Undertake initial maths and English assessments in BKSB, regardless of exemption. This is an apprenticeship requirement.

BUD access

You will be given access to BUD and asked to complete some initial activities and provide enrolment documents in there. These are vital for progressing onto the programme.

Enrolment meeting

Essentials Form – parts 1 and 2

The form provides the opportunity at this stage for your APC to get to know those things about you and to log a formal record of its contents in a way that supports you and meets funding regulations. Please complete the light pink sections of the Essentials Form (parts 1 and 2) prior to your FDoL and Induction meeting. You will complete the form during your Induction meeting with your APC (shortly after FDoL). Part 1 if for the whole tripartite and Part 1 is confidential between learner and APC.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 44

28th Sept. - 27th Nov 2026

First day of learning (FDoL)

(we will confirm your FDoL date in your Enrolment Call)

Induction Sept. - Nov. 2026

APC welcome

Once you have completed all three parts of your FDoL learning, you will be allocated an APC, who will send a welcome email to you and your in-setting AM including to set up your Induction meeting (your first synchronous tripartite meeting).

Sept. - Nov. 2026

Induction meeting

(within 10 working days of FDoL)

It will be a rich, coaching-focused discussion where you will focus on goals for your learning and initial tasks to undertake in BUD. In your first month on programme

Induction activities in BUD

After your FDoL activity, the next BUD activity you need to complete is the ‘Induction activity’ which we will set for you.

2/11/26 – 27/11/26

Getting Started on your NPQ

An introductory module to the NPQ part of your programme, designed to accompany your Learner Handbook and Employer Handbook.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 45

Dec. 2026

FTF event detail release

December 2026

Monthly tripartite review

09/11/26 – 27/11/26

NPQ Induction Cycle online course

Your first asynchronous online NPQ course, including interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self-study, and practice activities.

January 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Learning Cycle One 04/01/2027– 22/01/2027–

Face-to-face – event 1 Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators.

When your specific face-to-face event dates confirmed, we will notify you via the participant dashboard.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 46

February 2027

Monthly tripartite review

25/01/27– 5/03/27–

NPQ Cycle One online course

Following on from the FTF event, this online NPQ course includes interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self2-study, practice activities, and a formative assessment task. You will also revisit key documents to record learning and progress to date.

Monthly tripartite review

August 2026

No active learning required

Learning Cycle Two 15/03/2027 26/03/2027

Face-to-face – event 2 Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators.

April 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to update on progress, impacts, and tasks.

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19/04/27 – 28/5/27

NPQ Cycle Two online Following on from the FTF event, this online NPQ course course includes interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self-study, practice activities, and a formative assessment task. You will also revisit key documents to record learning and progress to date.

May 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks.

June 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks.

21/06/27 – 2/07/27

Face-to-face – event 3 Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators.

September 2027

Monthly tripartite review

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 48

include the cyclical NPQ coaching (the cyclical sessions are not additional). 5/07/27 -24/09/27

NPQ Cycle Three online course

October 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks.

Monthly tripartite review

Learning Cycle Four 18/11/27 – 19/11/27

Face-to-face – event 4 Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of your programme, this event offers opportunities for

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 49

new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators. December 2028

Monthly tripartite review

22/11/27 – 07/01/28

Cycle Four online course

January 2028

Monthly tripartite review

28/02/28 – 10/03/28

Face-to-face – event 5 Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners.

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Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators. February 2028

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks. The AM will not attend the coaching part of the synchronous discussions. These monthly reviews include the cyclical NPQ coaching (the cyclical sessions are not additional). For many learners (those who have not already entered Apprenticeship Assessment), this will likely be the Gateway to Completion Review (learners have to have been on programme for 12 months to be able to undertake Gateway to Completion and begin Apprenticeship Assessment).

Monthly tripartite review

April 2028

Monthly tripartite review

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For the small number of learners who have not already entered Apprenticeship Assessment, this will be the final opportunity for the Gateway to Completion Review. For most learners (who have already entered Apprenticeship Assessment), this will be one of the last opportunities for the NPQ Impact Review. Assessment: Following completion of the learning cycles, and successfully meeting the engagement and compliance requirements, you will transition into the assessment period. January - March 2028 Apprenticeship assessment (AA)

February – March 2028

Tripartite NPQ impact review

March 2028

SAT Briefing

A recorded briefing from the BPN Assessment Team about the SAT, available on BUD.

20/04/2028

Last NPQ task submission date

Any outstanding tasks need to be submitted by this date to count towards your 90%+ NPQ programme engagement and compliance.

12/05/2028 19/05/2028

NPQ Summative Assessment Task (SAT)

SAT assesses successful engagement with the DfE’s NPQ framework. Must take place after AA has been completed.

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You will complete and submit a 2,500-word response to an unseen case study in this 8-day window (set by the DfE).

LAwNs Employer Handbook, Aut. 2026

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Appendix C– Dates for your diary Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLTD/LBC/LT - TO BE CHANGED These date windows are important to make a note of in your diary now for the upcoming 18+ months. This will help you to meet your required programme engagement which is essential for you maintain compliance and to proceed to the assessment period at the end of your programme. Each stage of your programme is marked in pink; the face-to-face event windows in blue and sections that involve your AM are marked in green.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 53

Date window

Element

Overview

Enrolment & Onboarding As programme applications are accepted

Following enrolment meeting

Initial maths and English assessments via BKSB

Undertake initial maths and English assessments in BKSB, regardless of exemption. This is an apprenticeship requirement.

BUD access

You will be given access to BUD and asked to complete some initial activities and provide enrolment documents in there. These are vital for progressing onto the programme.

Enrolment meeting

Essentials Form – parts 1 and 2

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 54

28th Sept. - 27th Nov 2026

First day of learning (FDoL)

(we will confirm your FDoL date in your Enrolment Call)

The FDoL contains three parts: 4. A supportive virtual synchronous welcome session about orientation and initial leadership learning delivered on Zoom or Teams; 5. An inspiring recorded learning session, selected from our library of expert webinar recordings, to be undertaken on the same day as part one; 6. Submit a reflective learning activity about your FDoL learning in BUD which must be submitted by you to BUD within 5 working days of the FDoL. The FDoL marks your official programme start date.

Induction

Sept. - Nov. 2026

APC welcome

Induction meeting

(within 10 working days of FDoL)

It will be a rich, coaching-focused discussion where you will focus on goals for your learning and initial tasks to undertake in BUD. In your first month on programme

Induction activities in BUD

02/11/26 – 27/11/26 Getting Started on your NPQ

After your FDoL activity, the next BUD activity you need to complete is the ‘Induction activity’ which we will set for you. An introductory module to the NPQ part of your programme, designed to accompany your Learner Handbook and Employer Handbook.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 55

Dec. 2026

FTF event detail release

December 2026

Monthly tripartite review

09/11/26 – 27/11/26 NPQ Induction Cycle online course

Your first asynchronous online NPQ course, including interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self-study, and practice activities.

Learning Cycle One 04/01/2027– 15/01/2027–

Face-to-face – event 1

When your specific face-to-face event dates confirmed, we will notify you via the participant dashboard.

January 2027

Monthly tripartite review

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 56

include the cyclical NPQ coaching (the cyclical sessions are not additional). 18/01/27– 05/02/27–

NPQ Cycle One online Following on from the FTF event, this online NPQ course course includes interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self3-study, practice activities, and a formative assessment task. You will also revisit key documents to record learning and progress to date.

Monthly tripartite review

Learning Cycle Two 08/03/2027 19/03/2027

Face-to-face – event 2

March 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to update on progress, impacts, and tasks. The AM will not attend the coaching part of the synchronous discussions. These monthly reviews include the cyclical NPQ coaching (the cyclical sessions are not additional).

22/03/27 – 7/05/27

NPQ Cycle Two online course

Following on from the FTF event, this online NPQ course includes interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self-study, practice

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 57

activities, and a formative assessment task. You will also revisit key documents to record learning and progress to date. April 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks. All members of the tripartite will be ‘invited’ to comment on and sign a review on BUD to update, challenge and offer support for your development. You will have agreed a mutually agreed date for this at the previous live review.

May 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Learning Cycle Three 07/06/27 – 18/06/27 Face-to-face – event 3

Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 58

Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators. July 2027

Monthly tripartite review

21/06/27 -9/07/27

NPQ Cycle Three online course

August 2027

No review required

September 2027

Monthly tripartite review

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Apprenticeship assessment (AA)

AA assesses (independently) the successful completion of the apprenticeship standard. It takes place approximately 4-12 weeks after Gateway to Completion. Assessment method 1: Written Report with Presentation and Questioning Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio / learning journal of evidence. https://www.nqual.co.uk/epa/associate-projectmanager-level-4/v1-5

July - September 2027

Tripartite NPQ impact Live tripartite review session between you, your review APC, and your AM to review your goals, engagement, and progress on the NPQ; and readiness for SAT. An opportunity to celebrate achievements, ensure portfolio / learning journal of evidence is in place, and prepare for SAT.

October 2027

SAT Briefing

A recorded briefing from the BPN Assessment Team about the SAT, available on BUD.

10/10/27

Last NPQ task submission date

Any outstanding tasks need to be submitted by this date to count towards your 90%+ NPQ programme engagement and compliance.

04/11/27 – 11/11/27 NPQ Summative Assessment Task (SAT)

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Appendix D – Dates for your diary Leader Apprenticeship with NPQSENCO These date windows are important to make a note of in your diary now for the upcoming 18+ months. This will help you to meet your required programme engagement which is essential for you maintain compliance and to proceed to the assessment period at the end of your programme. Each stage of your programme is marked in pink; the face-to-face event windows in blue and sections that involve your AM are marked in green. Date window

Element

Overview

Enrolment & Onboarding As programme applications are accepted

Initial maths and English assessments via BKSB

Undertake initial maths and English assessments in BKSB, regardless of exemption. This is an apprenticeship requirement.

BUD access

You will be given access to BUD and asked to complete some initial activities and provide enrolment documents in there. These are vital for progressing onto the programme.

Enrolment meeting

Following Essentials Form – enrolment meeting parts 1 and 2

The form provides the opportunity at this stage for your APC to get to know those things about you and

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 61

to log a formal record of its contents in a way that supports you and meets funding regulations. Please complete the light pink sections of the Essentials Form (parts 1 and 2) prior to your FDoL and Induction meeting. You will complete the form during your Induction meeting with your APC (shortly after FDoL). Part 1 if for the whole tripartite and Part 1 is confidential between learner and APC. 28th Sept. - 27th Nov 2026

First day of learning (FDoL)

(we will confirm your FDoL date in your Enrolment Call)

The FDoL contains three parts: 7. A supportive virtual synchronous welcome session about orientation and initial leadership learning delivered on Zoom or Teams; 8. An inspiring recorded learning session, selected from our library of expert webinar recordings, to be undertaken on the same day as part one; 9. Submit a reflective learning activity about your FDoL learning in BUD which must be submitted by you to BUD within 5 working days of the FDoL. The FDoL marks your official programme start date.

Induction

Sept. - Nov. 2026 (within 10 working days of FDoL)

APC welcome

Induction meeting

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 62

It will be a rich, coaching-focused discussion where you will focus on goals for your learning and initial tasks to undertake in BUD. In your first month on programme

Induction activities in BUD

After your FDoL activity, the next BUD activity you need to complete is the ‘Induction activity’ which we will set for you.

2/11/26 – 27/11/26

Getting Started on your NPQ

An introductory module to the NPQ part of your programme, designed to accompany your Learner Handbook and Employer Handbook.

Dec. 2026

FTF event detail release

December 2026

Monthly tripartite review

09/11/26 – 27/11/26

NPQ Induction Cycle Your first asynchronous online NPQ course, including online course interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self-study, and practice activities.

Learning Cycle One 4/01/2027– 22/01/2027–

Face-to-face – event Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of 1 your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators.

When your specific face-to-face event dates confirmed, we will notify you via the participant dashboard.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 63

January 2027

Monthly tripartite review

25/01/27– 05/03/27–

NPQ Cycle One online course

Following on from the FTF event, this online NPQ course includes interaction with other colleagues on programme, some self4-study, practice activities, and a formative assessment task. You will also revisit key documents to record learning and progress to date.

Monthly tripartite review

08/02/27 – 16/03/27

Group coaching

Learning Cycle Two

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15/03/2027 26/02/2027

Face-to-face – event Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of 2 your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators.

March 2027

Monthly tripartite review

19/04/27 – 28/05/27

NPQ Cycle Two online course

April 2027

Monthly tripartite review

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 65

You will have agreed a mutually agreed date for this at the previous live review.

Learning Cycle Three 21/06/27 – 2/07/27

Face-to-face – event Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of 3 your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators.

June 2027

Monthly tripartite review

5/07/27 -24/09/27

NPQ Cycle Three online course

August 2027

No review required

July 2027

Monthly tripartite review

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 66

completed activity as part of your portfolio / learning journal-building activity with your APC and AM. Apprenticeship assessment can take place from now on. This assesses (independently) the successful completion of the apprenticeship standard. It takes place approximately 4-12 weeks after Gateway to Completion. Assessment method 1: Work based project with Professional Discussion Assessment method 2: Presentation/Q&A based on the Learning Journal. https://innovateawarding.org/media/3dvj1w3r/level-5-learning-and-development-consultant-businesspartner-v11-assessment-specification.pdf

Learning Cycle Four 08/11/27 – 19/11/27

Face-to-face – event Launching the learning cycle of the NPQ element of 4 your programme, this event offers opportunities for new knowledge and sharing best practice with other learners. Facilitated by highly skilled and experienced facilitators.

September 2027

Monthly tripartite review

22/11/27 – 07/01/28

Cycle Four online course

October 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to update on progress, impacts, and tasks. All members of the tripartite will be ‘invited’ to comment on and sign a review on BUD to update,

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 67

challenge and offer support for your development. You will have agreed a mutually agreed date for this at the previous live review. For some learners, this will be the Gateway to Completion Review (learners have to have been on programme for 12 months to be able to undertake Gateway to Completion and begin Apprenticeship Assessment). Ongoing online activities and portfolio / learning journal-building Your APC will support you in accessing all relevant apprenticeship activities on BUD, based on your feedback and feed forward in coaching and online tasks. You will then consider each completed activity as part of your portfolio / learning journal-building activity with your APC and AM. November 2027

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks. The AM will not attend the coaching part of the synchronous discussions. These monthly reviews include the cyclical NPQ coaching (the cyclical sessions are not additional). For many learners (those who have not already entered Apprenticeship Assessment), this will likely be the Gateway to Completion Review (learners have to have been on programme for 12 months to be able to undertake Gateway to Completion and begin Apprenticeship Assessment).

December 2027

Monthly tripartite review

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 68

January 2028

Monthly tripartite review

Live tripartite monthly review between you, your APC, and your AM to coach, discuss progress, impacts, and tasks. The AM will not attend the coaching part of the synchronous discussions. These monthly reviews include the cyclical NPQ coaching (the cyclical sessions are not additional). For the small number of learners who have not already entered Apprenticeship Assessment, this will be the final opportunity for the Gateway to Completion Review. For most learners (who have already entered Apprenticeship Assessment), this will be one of the last opportunities for the NPQ Impact Review.

Assessment: Following completion of the learning cycles, and successfully meeting the engagement and compliance requirements, you will transition into the assessment period. January - March 2028

Apprenticeship assessment (AA)

February – March 2028

Tripartite NPQ impact review

March 2028

SAT Briefing

A recorded briefing from the BPN Assessment Team about the SAT, available on BUD.

20 /04/2028

Last NPQ task submission date

Any outstanding tasks need to be submitted by this date to count towards your 90%+ NPQ programme engagement and compliance.

LAwNs Learner Handbook, Aut 2026 69

12/05/2028 19/05/2028

NPQ Summative Assessment Task (SAT)

Appendix E – Apprenticeship Portfolio / learning journal evidence The portfolio / learning journal of evidence is assessment method 2 and illustrates the on-programme work that best demonstrates how you apply the knowledge (K) and skills (S) and demonstrate the behaviours (B) identified in the apprenticeship standard. Further details about how to create your portfolio / learning journal can be found in ‘EPA Method 2’ in Bud. This is your opportunity to showcase your leadership skills at their best. The portfolio / learning journal of evidence is not marked or assessed – it is simply to help you provide a commentary against the criteria in the Apprenticeship Assessment (AA). It should contain a range of unique pieces of evidence to show how you meet the KSBs; drawn from the evidence you have generated during the programme. The portfolio / learning journal can consist of a combination of evidence that is: ▪

anecdotal

▪

performance

▪

product

Anecdotal evidence Explanations and descriptions written by you that provides narrative about what happened whilst performing a specific task, activity, learning, or impact. It relies entirely on personal testimony so therefore should be supported by performance and product evidence. Anecdotal evidence provides an honest, critical analysis of performance and an opportunity to demonstrate integrity in approach and attitude to work. It is designed to allow honest appraisal of performance and look at the impact of the whole experience. The following questions and tips are useful starting points for anecdotal evidence:

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•

What was your starting point at the beginning of the task/activity?

•

What specifically did you do to perform the activity?

•

Who was involved, what systems did you use, what policies and procedures did you follow?

•

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

•

What was the outcome and output of the activity – what did you achieve?

•

What knowledge, skills and behaviours did you demonstrate?

•

What did you learn and what might you do differently next time?

Your APC will take you through a tool which helps you to effectively record the evidence being gathered in a format that is structured and logical. This is called a STAR (Situation, Task, Action and Result) document.

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