Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge extra for observations or assessments?
No! Not at all. Everything you need to successfully complete your learning is included in the course price. If your course requires work place assessments, (for example, Early Years Educator or STL), then your assessor will arrange to visit you.
Any examinations (such as in Functional Skills) or micro-teach days are included in the course cost. Functional Skills do incur a resit fee if necessary.
*Please note, if you are not in the UK mainland, an additional fee may incur for observations and assessments, where required. Please contact us for more information.
Any examinations (such as in Functional Skills) or micro-teach days are included in the course cost. Functional Skills do incur a resit fee if necessary.
*Please note, if you are not in the UK mainland, an additional fee may incur for observations and assessments, where required. Please contact us for more information.
What is included in the price?
Everything you need to complete will be included. This means all the resources (including a Hodder electronic text book where available), all fees, additional learning materials and CPD opportunities.
Work-based assessments, micro-teach days or examinations are all included in the price.
The course information tab on your chosen course will provide more details.
Work-based assessments, micro-teach days or examinations are all included in the price.
The course information tab on your chosen course will provide more details.
Does my assessor visit me in the work place?
If your course is placement based and requires observations or other work-based assessments, then your assessor will visit you in the work place.
You can look at the requirements for placements and assessment visits vis the information tabs of your chosen course.
You can look at the requirements for placements and assessment visits vis the information tabs of your chosen course.
Can I pay by instalments?
You can choose to pay in full or via instalments over a period of up to 12 months. Our instalments are interest free and you can find the options and costs on your chosen course page.
Is it possible to extend a deadline?
Our courses work to structured blocks of 4, 6 or 8 weeks in length (depending on the course). Each block will end with an assignment, of which you will have one or two weeks to complete.
If you are unable to meet the deadline for you assessment, you can submit an Extension Application form to your tutor. Please note, if an extension is granted, this only extends for that block and does not extend your full course length. Any extensions will move into the time allocated to the next block.
If you are unable to meet the deadline for you assessment, you can submit an Extension Application form to your tutor. Please note, if an extension is granted, this only extends for that block and does not extend your full course length. Any extensions will move into the time allocated to the next block.
Are your qualifications real?
All our qualifications are regulated and on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. You can find the RQF number in the course information tab next to the course you are interested in.
The course information will also explain what you would be qualified in and if any additional training might be needed (such as Functional Skills), as well as progression opportunities.
The course information will also explain what you would be qualified in and if any additional training might be needed (such as Functional Skills), as well as progression opportunities.
Who gives me my certificate?
You will be certified by the relevant awarding organisation with which you have been registered (CACHE, NCFE, Edexcel).
NCCE will receive your certificate once you have successfully completed your course and your portfolio has been internally and externally moderated.
When we receive your certificate, we will send this to you.
NCCE will receive your certificate once you have successfully completed your course and your portfolio has been internally and externally moderated.
When we receive your certificate, we will send this to you.
Do I see my Assessor?
You will see your assessor via the Virtual Classroom at least once per block.
If your course requires work-based assessments, such as observations, your assessor will visit you in your work place.
If your course requires work-based assessments, such as observations, your assessor will visit you in your work place.
What is an Observation or Assessment Day?
An Assessment Day is the culmination of a range of practical activities, allowing you to gain the practical evidence that you require for your qualification.
With multiple observations, professional discussions, working-evidence gathering, set tasks and anything else that would be required to complete your learning.
The assessment days will be planned for in advance, allowing you, as the student to revise and prepare for the tasks at hand.
Some Assessment Days may vary, depending on the course. For example, on the Award in Education and Training, the Assessment Day consists of observing and delivering a Micro-teach.
With multiple observations, professional discussions, working-evidence gathering, set tasks and anything else that would be required to complete your learning.
The assessment days will be planned for in advance, allowing you, as the student to revise and prepare for the tasks at hand.
Some Assessment Days may vary, depending on the course. For example, on the Award in Education and Training, the Assessment Day consists of observing and delivering a Micro-teach.
Some colleges mention paying extra for observations, books or assessments. Will you charge me extra?
No. We will not charge extra for the things that you need to complete the course and gain your qualification. Our fees include:
*An additional fee may apply if you live outside of UK mainland
**An additional fee may apply if you need to resit an exam after being unsuccessful in your first attempt
- Observations and assessments*
- Live taught sessions with your tutor through our Virtual Classroom
- e-text course book published by Hodder (if available for your course)
- Exams (where required for your course)**
- On-going tuition and support (not just emails!)
- Full interactive learning resources and links to wider reading
- CPD Opportunities
*An additional fee may apply if you live outside of UK mainland
**An additional fee may apply if you need to resit an exam after being unsuccessful in your first attempt
What can I do if I cannot make an online class?
We try to make the online classes as flexible as possible. They are usually towards the end of each block and during the evenings or at the weekend, and focus on preparing for the assignments, so it is really important to attend if you can.
If you are not able to attend the online class, there will be recordings and session materials available for you to view after the session. You can also contact your tutor for one to one guidance if necessary.
If you are not able to attend the online class, there will be recordings and session materials available for you to view after the session. You can also contact your tutor for one to one guidance if necessary.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
Our courses are very structured, with clear tasks for each week of each block, allowing our students to achieve their qualifications and remain motivated and supported throughout.
Each block will have a deadline to complete and submit the assignment. If, for any reason, you will not be able to meet the deadline, you must submit an extension form to your tutor as soon as possible. If granted, you will receive an extended deadline for that block, but it will mean that you will be studying two blocks concurrently.
If you ever feel like you are falling behind, it is really important that you contact your tutor as soon as possible so that they can help you plan the best course of action and help you catch up.
Each block will have a deadline to complete and submit the assignment. If, for any reason, you will not be able to meet the deadline, you must submit an extension form to your tutor as soon as possible. If granted, you will receive an extended deadline for that block, but it will mean that you will be studying two blocks concurrently.
If you ever feel like you are falling behind, it is really important that you contact your tutor as soon as possible so that they can help you plan the best course of action and help you catch up.
All about NCCE and your Learning Journey
Welcome to the National College for Care and Education, or NCCE for short. At NCCE we focus on providing quality learning opportunities to our students in Education, Child Care, Social Care, Counselling and Teaching.
Because we are specialists in these areas, we can focus on our student and employer needs and prepare you for a professional career in your chosen field. You will work closely with your expert tutor for the duration of your course, and, in some cases, they will visit you in your workplace to support with your portfolio development and ensure that you are work-ready and competent in your role.
We work closely with leading and respected Awarding Organisations, ensuring that your qualifications are regulated and well-respected by the industry. NCCE are committed to training future professionals in care and education related fields and you will be supported to be job ready with the ability to build strong, knowledgable and caring careers in your chosen pathway.
NCCE understand that traditional college is not for everyone, and distance learning can sometimes be isolating. Therefore, we have developed a range of programmes that provide our students the perfect blended approach that allows study to fit in with life, but where students are guided and led to achieve.
Take a look at our courses and the qualifications that you can achieve. There will be a programme of study that is suitable for your personal needs and goals. We look forward to welcoming you to the National College of Care and Education!
Because we are specialists in these areas, we can focus on our student and employer needs and prepare you for a professional career in your chosen field. You will work closely with your expert tutor for the duration of your course, and, in some cases, they will visit you in your workplace to support with your portfolio development and ensure that you are work-ready and competent in your role.
We work closely with leading and respected Awarding Organisations, ensuring that your qualifications are regulated and well-respected by the industry. NCCE are committed to training future professionals in care and education related fields and you will be supported to be job ready with the ability to build strong, knowledgable and caring careers in your chosen pathway.
NCCE understand that traditional college is not for everyone, and distance learning can sometimes be isolating. Therefore, we have developed a range of programmes that provide our students the perfect blended approach that allows study to fit in with life, but where students are guided and led to achieve.
Take a look at our courses and the qualifications that you can achieve. There will be a programme of study that is suitable for your personal needs and goals. We look forward to welcoming you to the National College of Care and Education!
So what is Actually Included?
If you choose to learn with NCCE, you will get everything you need to succeed with your course, gain your qualification and achieve and develop in your chosen career:
Read the information below to find out even more!
*Please note, observations required for students outside of mainland UK may incur an additional cost. Please contact us for more information.
- Online NCCE learning materials
- Hodder e-text book (where available for your chosen course)
- Exam fees (if required for your course
- Virtual classroom lessons with your tutor
- All the additional tutor support you will need to succeed
- Optional and free CPD and Career Enhancement opportunities
- Placement assessments where your assessor will come to you (on courses that require placements)
Read the information below to find out even more!
*Please note, observations required for students outside of mainland UK may incur an additional cost. Please contact us for more information.
Block Style Learning
NCCE's unique Block Style learning is just like miniature 'terms'. Blocks are broken down into six or eight weeks and within each block you will focus on the theory elements of a section of set units. Each block will cover a different number of units depending on the length and requirements of each unit.
A typical 6-week block will have a format like the following: Weeks 1-3: Complete all the guided reading, including the NCCE resources, text book chapters and external articles and journals. Week 4: Complete the optional CPD activity to help add to your professional development. This is optional- you may wish to have an extra week for your reading. Week 5: Book onto and join into an interactive teaching session, covering the learning outcomes of the block and assignment preparation, with your peers and tutor. Recordings will also be available, in addition to a range of time slots. Week 6: Assignment writing week. You will spend the week completing the required activities for your portfolio.
You will be working on the same block as your peers. Each block is standalone, and you will start on the block that is running when you enrol. You can apply for assignment submission extensions for each block if you have an extenuating circumstance.
If your course requires a placement (such as the STL or EYE courses), you will have an additional placement "block", which will run alongside the theory blocks for the duration of your course. You can complete the placement tasks at times that they suit you and your placement supervisor.
NCCE's unique Block Style learning is just like miniature 'terms'. Blocks are broken down into six or eight weeks and within each block you will focus on the theory elements of a section of set units. Each block will cover a different number of units depending on the length and requirements of each unit.
A typical 6-week block will have a format like the following: Weeks 1-3: Complete all the guided reading, including the NCCE resources, text book chapters and external articles and journals. Week 4: Complete the optional CPD activity to help add to your professional development. This is optional- you may wish to have an extra week for your reading. Week 5: Book onto and join into an interactive teaching session, covering the learning outcomes of the block and assignment preparation, with your peers and tutor. Recordings will also be available, in addition to a range of time slots. Week 6: Assignment writing week. You will spend the week completing the required activities for your portfolio.
You will be working on the same block as your peers. Each block is standalone, and you will start on the block that is running when you enrol. You can apply for assignment submission extensions for each block if you have an extenuating circumstance.
If your course requires a placement (such as the STL or EYE courses), you will have an additional placement "block", which will run alongside the theory blocks for the duration of your course. You can complete the placement tasks at times that they suit you and your placement supervisor.
E-Learning Platform
NCCE's e-learning environment provides you with all the tools that you will need to ensure that you succeed in your chosen programme, and have the best knowledge to put into your practice.
Within the e-learning platform, you will have access to NCCE's interactive study guides and resources, containing all the information that will give you a sound basis for your learning. In addition, students will be guided to relevant journals and articles, which will enhance knowledge and stand for good practice in wider reading and referencing, demonstrating advanced understanding of your subject.
Where available, students are also provided with electronic textbooks, published by Hodder. The textbooks map directly with the learning outcomes of your chosen course, giving you an excellent resource when it comes to assignment writing.
The platform is also filled with a range of CPD opportunities, which, while optional, offer students the opportunity to further your learning even more, as well as add to your professional development record.
NCCE's e-learning environment provides you with all the tools that you will need to ensure that you succeed in your chosen programme, and have the best knowledge to put into your practice.
Within the e-learning platform, you will have access to NCCE's interactive study guides and resources, containing all the information that will give you a sound basis for your learning. In addition, students will be guided to relevant journals and articles, which will enhance knowledge and stand for good practice in wider reading and referencing, demonstrating advanced understanding of your subject.
Where available, students are also provided with electronic textbooks, published by Hodder. The textbooks map directly with the learning outcomes of your chosen course, giving you an excellent resource when it comes to assignment writing.
The platform is also filled with a range of CPD opportunities, which, while optional, offer students the opportunity to further your learning even more, as well as add to your professional development record.
The Virtual Classroom (E-Classroom)
The Virtual Classroom allows students and tutors to come together in real-time, where students can revise their learning block and assignment tasks can be prepared for. This is a unique opportunity, which allows NCCE students to break away from the idea of "distance" learning, and you will be encouraged to attend a class at least once per block.
Whilst the sessions will be offered at a range of times within the teaching week, we understand it is not always possible to attend, so there will be the chance to watch recordings of the session, too.
The Virtual Classroom is interactive and has a range of resources in addition to the teacher-led elements: including quizzes to test your own knowledge, group tasks to develop understanding and Q&A Chat Box to ensure that you are ready for the assignment element of your block.
The Virtual Classroom allows students and tutors to come together in real-time, where students can revise their learning block and assignment tasks can be prepared for. This is a unique opportunity, which allows NCCE students to break away from the idea of "distance" learning, and you will be encouraged to attend a class at least once per block.
Whilst the sessions will be offered at a range of times within the teaching week, we understand it is not always possible to attend, so there will be the chance to watch recordings of the session, too.
The Virtual Classroom is interactive and has a range of resources in addition to the teacher-led elements: including quizzes to test your own knowledge, group tasks to develop understanding and Q&A Chat Box to ensure that you are ready for the assignment element of your block.
Practical Placement Assessments
If your chosen course requires placement based assessment (such as STL and EYE), not only do we guide you to collect substantial evidence as you complete your studies in practice, but we also complete an on-site assessment, too.
Your on-site assessment, of which we will help you prepare for in advance, will consist of observations, a professional discussion and a range of other practical tasks, which will be individualised to your needs and course requirements. A short session with your placement supervisor/mentor will also be required to confirm your placement activities and competency.
Placement based assessments will usually be arranged towards the end of your learning journey (and always after the half way mark), so we can observe your theory learning (from your block work) and how you have put this into practice. The Placement based assessment day is a chance to show that you are ready to practice in your qualifying area, and although can be an un-nerving experience, our placement assessors will support you through the whole process.
If your chosen course requires placement based assessment (such as STL and EYE), not only do we guide you to collect substantial evidence as you complete your studies in practice, but we also complete an on-site assessment, too.
Your on-site assessment, of which we will help you prepare for in advance, will consist of observations, a professional discussion and a range of other practical tasks, which will be individualised to your needs and course requirements. A short session with your placement supervisor/mentor will also be required to confirm your placement activities and competency.
Placement based assessments will usually be arranged towards the end of your learning journey (and always after the half way mark), so we can observe your theory learning (from your block work) and how you have put this into practice. The Placement based assessment day is a chance to show that you are ready to practice in your qualifying area, and although can be an un-nerving experience, our placement assessors will support you through the whole process.
