Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before enrolling

It depends on the level:

  • Level 2 EY Practitioner — no prior qualifications needed.Ideal if you're new to childcare.
  • Level 3 EYE Diploma / Residential Childcare — you must currently be working in an early years or childcare setting.
  • Level 3 CAVA — you need access to real learners to assess in your current role.
  • Level 5 Leadership — requires a Level 3 EYE qualification.

Not sure where you fit ? Use the course finder or ask Nicole directly.

Yes — all of you need to be currently working in an early years, childcare, or residential care setting because the assessment involves observed practice in your workplace.
Yes. Most learners study alongside part-time or full-time work. The course is designed to fit around your schedule — you set the pace and Nicole accommodates your working pattern.

Use the course finder — answer 4 quick questions and it will highlight the best match for your background and goals.

If you're still unsure after that, message Nicole directly on WhatsApp. She'll ask a few questions and point you in the right direction — usually within a few hours.

All course materials, resources, and portfolio tools are hosted on the online learning platform — accessible from any device at any time.You work through your units at your own pace, building a portfolio of evidence as you go.

Nicole holds dedicated 1: 1 support sessions onweekday evenings and weekends.See the full details on the How It Works page.

You work with Nicole or an qualified assessor — the same person — from your induction right through to sign-off. Most online providers rotate assessors; here you build a relationship with one person who knows your progress, your setting, and your goals throughout the entire course.
Yes. An in-workplace observation by your assessor is an Ofqual requirement for all vocational qualifications. Your dedicated assessor visits your workplace to observe you in practice. This is done by Nicole herself, or an qualified assessor — not a third-party stranger — and is arranged at a time that suits you.
Nicole or your dedicated assessor holds dedicated 1:1 support slots on weekday evenings and weekends. Outside of these, you can message her with questions. The frequency of contact increases naturally at key points — such as when you're preparing for your observation or nearing the end of a unit.

Yes.The course fee can be split into equal monthly payments over the duration of your course — with no interest or hidden charges and no credit check required.

See example monthly prices and the full breakdown on the Pricing page.

Yes — every course carries a separate fee charged directly by the awarding body (ICQ or NCFE) who issue your official certificate. This is paid once at registration and is not included in the course fee.

See the full table and an example total cost calculation on the Pricing page .

Many learners have their course fully funded by their employer through training budgets — paying nothing out of pocket.This is especially common in nurseries, children's homes, and care settings.

  • Ask your manager whether a training budget exists
  • Nicole can provide a formal course quote letter for your employer
  • Your employer pays directly — you focus on learning

Mention it when you apply and Nicole will walk you through the process.

Yes. If the course isn't right for you within the first 14 days, let Nicole know and you'll receive a full refund — no questions asked. This applies to the course fee; the awarding body registration fee is subject to the awarding body's own terms.

Fast Track is an accelerated study option that lets you complete your qualification in 2–5 months instead of the standard duration.The qualification, assessment standards, and certificate are identical to the standard route — only the pace changes.

Full details including a standard vs Fast Track timeline comparison are on the Fast Track page.

Yes — Fast Track is available across all five courses. It's confirmed at enrolment based on your circumstances and how much time you can commit each week.

Fast Track uses the same payment options as the standard route — pay the full course fee upfront or spread it across equal monthly instalments over your chosen study period. No interest, no credit check.

See the Pricing page for the full breakdown.

Your certificate is issued directly by ICQ or NCFE — the awarding bodies for each course — not by Learning with Nicole. ICQ and NCFE are both Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations.
Yes. All qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and are recognised by employers, Ofsted, and local authorities across England. They sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and are portable — meaning they are accepted by any employer in the sector.

Yes. If you've already begun a qualification with another training provider but didn't complete it — for any reason — Nicole may be able to pick up where you left off rather than starting from scratch.

The process depends on how much of your portfolio you completed and which awarding body was used:

  • If your previous work was assessed under the same awarding body (ICQ or NCFE), your existing portfolio evidence can often be transferred across.
  • If a different awarding body was used, Nicole will review what you have and advise what can be credited and what needs to be redone.
  • In some cases a short gap-analysis assessment is needed to establish your current level before continuing.

There is no penalty for having dropped out previously — Nicole's priority is getting you to your certificate, not judging past circumstances. Message Nicole on WhatsApp with your previous course details and she'll let you know exactly where you stand.

It can matter if the qualification specification has been updated since you started — older evidence may need refreshing to meet current standards. Nicole will check this for you as part of the initial review. For most learners who dropped out within the last few years, the majority of their work remains valid.
The application form takes about 2 minutes to fill in. After you submit, Nicole will be in touch — typically the same day.
  1. You submit the short application form.
  2. Nicole contacts you — usually within a few hours — to discuss your situation and confirm the right course.
  3. Once confirmed, you receive your platform login and start your induction.
  4. Your learning begins at a pace that fits your life.
Absolutely. You can message Nicole on WhatsApp before committing to anything — she's happy to answer questions, help you choose the right level, or discuss whether your employer might fund it.

Still have a question?

Didn't find your answer? just ask.

No question is too small — ask about courses, payment, eligibility, or anything else.

Nicole typically replies within a few hours