Meet the Learning Support Team

Welcome from Sophie Sanderson Learning Support Manager (Student Experience and Pastoral Support)

As the Learning Support Manager, Sophie Sanderson operationally oversees the Learning Support Service across Derby College Group (DCG). This includes managing and leading a large team of 180 staff members, who deliver and provide a high-quality service from both an in and out of class support perspective. This team includes Learning Support Assistants, Coordinators, EHCP Coordinators, Trainers, and Leads.

Sophie also operationally manages all aspects regarding our Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) students, from working directly with seven different local authorities and external stakeholders, to ensure all students receive the upmost student experience here at DCG.

Sophie has a master’s in ‘SEND Education’ and Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management. With over 10 years’ experience in further education sector, Sophie proudly continues to be a lifelong learner, with the passion to drive quality and delivery in service. Sophie is a Derby City Inclusion Leader and an active member within the local SENCO Networks.

Meet the Team

Elizabeth Johnson

Learning Support Lead- Campus Broomfield

Johnny Dhillon

Learning Support Lead- Adults/ESOL

Rebecca Thorne-Stewart

Learning Support Lead- Campus Joseph Wright Centre

Bonnie Eardley

Learning Support Lead- Campus Broomfield

Laura Spivey

Learning Support Lead- Campus Roundhouse

Jen Geerjanan

Learning Support Lead- Campus Broomfield

Alan Pywell

Learning Support Lead- Apprenticeship

Samantha Pratt

Learning Support Lead – EHCP

Ben Walkerdine

Learning Support Lead- Campus Roundhouse

Learning Support Leads

Our Learning Support Leads manage and lead the day-to-day operations of the entire learning support team to ensure the quality of the entire team are provided. All staff are highly experienced in management and leadership to ensure the most effective quality in service.

Learning Support Co-ordinators

Our Learning Support Coordinators manage the day-to-day operations of LSA support to ensure that support is deployed effectively across our campuses. All staff are experienced in management and leadership to ensure our LSA team provide the upmost quality in service.

Learning Support EHCP Coordinators

Our Learning Support EHCP Coordinator’s lead and support all our EHCP students. From leading annual reviews and supporting with transition both in and out of college. All staff are experience within SEND and leadership to ensure our students are provided with the upmost support.

Learning Support Coordinator – Specialist Equipment and Modifications

Our Learning Support Coordinator Specialist Equipment and Modifications leads, manages all adjusted modifications and equipment for all students across the entire college. All staff within the equipment and modification team are experienced in equipment and modifications to adjust and provide student the opportunity to access all learning.

Learning Support Coordinator- Personal Assessment Planning

Our Learning Support Coordinator- Personal Assessment Planning leads and manages all personal assessments for all students across the entire college, assessing all aspects from health and support risks. Our coordinator is highly experienced in creating and leading all assessments to ensure students are supported to safely access the college.

Learning Support Trainers

Our Learning Support Trainers offer accessible workshops that shares strategies and promotes your independent study skills. The team offer on site and virtual inclusive spaces at all college sites to meet your individual needs. Our Learning Support Trainers can discuss other support services you may require during your time at DCG.

Learning Support Coaches- Apprenticeship

Our Learning Support Coaches provide out of class support for all apprenticeship supports to support all with study skills or assignment/exam support. The team offer on site and virtual inclusive spaces at all college sites to meet your individual needs. Our Learning Support Coaches can discuss other support services you may require during your time at DCG.

Learning Support Assistants (LSA’S)

Our Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) work alongside curriculum tutors in the classroom. All LSAs are experienced, hold relevant qualifications and have a specific professional interest in one or more specific learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Learning Support Administrators.

Our Learning Support Administrator work behind the scenes in leading and preparing all aspects of communication, paperwork, and meetings for all our EHCP students across the entire college. Our Learning Support Administrators are highly skilled in organisation management and delivery to support all staff and students.

Communication Support Workers (CSWs)

Our Communication Support Workers specifically support Hearing Impaired or Deaf students in the classroom using sign language or note-taking. All CSWs are experienced, hold relevant BSL qualifications and have a professional interest in supporting Hearing Impaired or Deaf students. All staff operate with impartiality and confidentiality.