Specialist health roles in SEND
Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)
Our Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) is a registered nurse and health visitor.
They work with health and Council partners across the SEND system in South Tyneside.
Their role is to assure the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) that:
- the statutory (legal) responsibility for SEND is met, and
- children, young people and their families get the best possible care so they can achieve their full potential in life.
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