Specialist health roles in SEND
Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)
Our DCO is a registered nurse and health visitor and works with health and local authority partners across the SEND system in South Tyneside.
The DCO role is key in supporting the Integrated Care Board (ICB) in meeting its statutory responsibilities for children and young people with SEND. They are a resource for advice and support on quality for SEND within the ICB and local area SEND partnerships.
Responsibilities
Their responsibilities include:
- providing strategic leadership
- making sure the health workforce is engaged and working effectively
- working with South Tyneside Parent Carer Forum, SENDIASS, the Council and schools, and advising on health and where to find information
- working with the SEND team and health providers to improve the co-ordination and quality of Education, Health and Care Plans, and improve communication between services
- identifying key issues around SEND to inform the commissioning (buying) of services
- attending the SEND Panels