Independent apprenticeship assessment
Assessment you can trust.
People you can reach.
Independent apprenticeship assessment, delivered by an experienced and accountable team across early years, education, care, youth, safeguarding and health-related standards.
- Remote and face-to-face options
- Transparent VAT-exempt assessment fees*
- Direct access to the SSES team
* Resit and retake fees are subject to VAT.
Standards & fees
Clear from the outset
Early Years Practitioner
Early years & education
For practitioners who work directly with young children and support the planning and delivery of learning, development and care.
- Version
- 1.1
- Delivery
- Face-to-face
£650
View standardEarly Years Educator
Early years & education
For professionals who provide high-quality early education and care, supporting children’s learning, development, health and safety.
- Version
- 1.3–1.5
- Delivery
- Face-to-face
£700
View standardEarly Years Lead Practitioner
Early years & education
For experienced practitioners who lead day-to-day practice, model play-based learning and support the quality of provision.
- Version
- 1.1
- Delivery
- Face-to-face
£850
View standardTwo distinct SSES services
Choose the route you need.
The current website is focused on apprenticeship assessment. A separate qualifications route is reserved for the future Awarding Organisation offer.
01 · Specialist knowledge
02 · Independent decisions
03 · Familiar people
04 · Straightforward information
Standards & fees
Find the right assessment route.
Browse the offer by sector, then compare versions, delivery methods and fees in the complete catalogue.
01
Early years & education
From entry-level practice to leadership and specialist classroom support.
02
Children & families
Assessment routes for practitioners, managers and playwork professionals.
03
Youth & safeguarding
Role-aware assessment across youth support, justice and specialist services.
04
Health and care
Routes spanning optical support, adult care, healthcare and therapeutic practice.
Why SSES
Professional assurance without the distance.
Independent assessment should feel clear and well controlled, not anonymous. SSES combines specialist knowledge with direct communication and a personal, accountable service.
01
People who know your organisation
Speak to a familiar team rather than starting again each time you make contact.
02
Role-specific knowledge
Work with people who understand the occupation and its assessment requirements.
03
Clear, controlled information
See the version, delivery method, fee and relevant public documents together.
A straightforward relationship
From first question to a clear next step.
Helpful process guidance remains separate from independent assessment decisions.
01
Support
Explore the standard, version, delivery information and fee with clear guidance.
02
Skilled
Discuss requirements with people who understand the occupation and its assessment.
03
Excellence
Arrange assessment through a clear, controlled and well-communicated process.
04
Success
Complete the journey with a fair opportunity to demonstrate occupational competence.
The people behind SSES
A small team with clear accountability.
Operational experience, quality oversight and sector knowledge sit within a team providers can contact directly. Meet the full team
Suzanne Sapsed
Chief Executive Officer
Suzanne has worked with apprenticeships since the 1990s, first as an employer in her own day nurseries and later through teaching, assessing and supporting organisations that work with apprentices. She has maintained a hands-on connection with early years, children and young people throughout her career. Suzanne has worked with independent training providers and higher education institutions to develop their provision and ensure compliance, giving her insight into the apprentice’s journey from initial interest to completion.
Jeff Sapsed
Financial Director
Jeff began his career by completing an apprenticeship in electronic engineering. He later supported the family’s day nurseries in a variety of roles. At SSES, Jeff focuses on sound financial stewardship, value for employers and training providers, and meeting the organisation’s obligations to stakeholders. He is also the named contact for website data-protection enquiries.
Josh Sapsed
Chief Operating Officer
Josh grew up around the family’s day nurseries and has worked across a primary school, a day nursery and with foster children. Recently promoted to a Director of SSES, he retains day-to-day responsibility as Chief Operating Officer and brings that practical perspective to the operation of SSES.
SSES Blog
Ideas, updates and useful information.
Explore learning ideas, awareness days, apprenticeship news and updates from the SSES team.
Start a conversation
Planning apprenticeship assessment?
Tell us which standard you are considering. We will help you identify the relevant version, delivery information and next step.