Empowering SEND Learners: A comprehensive engagement and support platform

Derby College Group (DCG) is leading the way in inclusive education with the launch of a pioneering interactive platform designed to enhance learning experiences for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Spearheaded by Linzi Smithies, Advanced Practitioner in Technical and Vocational Education and Training, this initiative provides educators with vital tools to create engaging, high-expectation learning environments that foster success for all learners.

At the heart of the project is an interactive Padlet resource containing over 45 Pedi Postcard Tasks, practical, accessible strategies that educators can use to support SEND learners effectively. This innovative resource is already making an impact across DCG, with over 1,050 views and applications in classrooms. The project has also gained significant traction, with educators and managers requesting additional training sessions to embed these strategies across multiple subject areas.

The initiative has already been successfully delivered to over 250 educators across various departments, including:

• Inset day training for over 80 staff members
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) First-year cohort
• Teaching & Learning Essentials workshops
• Specialist sessions for Animal Care, Equine & Plant Science, Inclusion, and Apprenticeships
• Student Experience and Learning Support Teams

This project is transforming learning experiences for SEND students by:

• Enhancing support: Providing structured resources and embedding neuro-diversity within the curriculum.
• Raising awareness: Increasing staff and student understanding of neuro-divergence to foster an inclusive atmosphere.
• Boosting educator confidence: Empowering teachers with strategies to support SEND learners effectively.
• Creating an inclusive campus: Encouraging an environment where all students feel valued and supported.
• Developing workplace-ready skills: Preparing students to collaborate with neurodivergent peers in future careers.

Early responses to the have been overwhelmingly positive:

• "The format is easy to digest and user-friendly."
• "Having all these resources in one place makes them accessible and easy to implement."
• "As a neurodivergent person, I found the layout clear and engaging."
• "These tools help reduce anxiety around new tasks and create a better learning experience."

DCG is keen to share this inclusive initiative with the wider education community. By expanding access to the platform, educators across the sector can adopt and contribute to this growing resource, ensuring more students receive the support they need to thrive.