Meet the Learning Support Team
Welcome from Sophie Sanderson- Head of SEND and Learning Support
As the Head of SEND and Learning Support, Sophie Sanderson operationally oversees the SEND and Learning Support Team across Derby College Group (DCG). This involves leading a large, dedicated team of over 180 staff members, who strive to deliver an excellent support service to all students here at DCG. The department include an array of essential team such as, ‘Specialist Assessment Team’ (EAA), ‘Deaf Access Team’, ‘Learning Support Team’, ‘SEND Consultation Team’ and ‘Funding and Administration Team’.
As a Head of service, Sophie oversees all key aspects regarding our ‘Education Health and Care Plan’ (EHCP) and ‘High Need’ (HN) students, funding, policy, regulations, and support assessments. Sophie is an active member within the local SENCO network meetings and works closely with key stakeholders to ensure the upmost for our students here at DCG. Sophie has a Master’s in ‘Education’ and Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management. With over 10 years’ experience in SEND and Post 16 sector. Sophie proudly continues to be a lifelong learner, with a passion to drive quality and delivery in service.
Meet the Team
Learning Support Manager and Team
Our Learning Support Manager operationally oversees and leads the day-to-day operations of the SEND and Learning Support Team who directly support all enrolled SEND students here at DCG. With a highly experienced leadership team who directly manages staff deployment for both in and out of class support and resources at each campus.
Senior SEND Caseworker and Team
Our Senior SEND Caseworker operationally oversees and leads the day-to-day operations of the SEND team who effectively support all pre-enrolment assessments, transitions, and enquiries. With an experienced leadership team who directly works with all incoming SEND students, parents/carers and external professionals such as the Local Authority and education providers.
Assessment Specialist Manager and Team
Our Assessment Specialist Manager operationally oversees and leads the day-to-day operations for all exam access arrangements, specialist equipment and modifications, and personal risk assessments for our SEND students. With a highly experienced leadership team who directly manages student assessments, support, and resources to allow equity in learning at each campus.
Learning Support Funding Lead and Team
Our Learning Support Funding Lead operationally oversees and leads the day-to-day operations for all funding and administration requirements to directly support the front line SEND and Learning Support team and all SEND students here at DCG. With an experienced leadership team who directly manages all administration duties from legal assessments and reviews, funding legislation and policies.
Deaf Access Manager and Team
Our Deaf Access Manager operationally oversees and leads the day-to-day operations of the Deaf Access Team who directly support all enrolled deaf access students here at DCG and within our local community. With a highly experienced leadership team who directly manages staff deployment for both in and out of class support and resources at each campus.
Contact the team:
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Learning Support Services team. You can talk to us about your support needs before you apply to College, at enrolment or at any time during your course. We’ll be happy to help. You can contact us on 0800 028 0289 or email us at inclusionandsupport@derby-college.ac.uk
