The Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) is a qualified health professional who supports work with children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The DCO works with Lambeth Council, health services, schools and colleges to help make sure health organisations meet their responsibilities for children and young people with SEND.
What the DCO does
The DCO can provide advice and support on health-related matters involving children and young people with SEND.
They can:
- act as a link between education and health teams for queries about SEND and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- attend Lambeth SEND panels and provide a health perspective
- support quality assurance of EHCPs and provide feedback to health colleagues
- provide SEND and EHCP training and support to health professionals
- work with the Lambeth Parent Carer Forum and other voluntary and support organisations
- take part in SEND local area inspections
- review and provide health evidence for SEND tribunal cases where this is needed
- work with partners during mediation to help resolve disputes outside of a tribunal
- advise education settings about their duties under the Department for Education's guidance on supporting pupils with medical conditions
- liaise with children's and adult health services about individual children and young people
- advise on identifying children and young people who may need referral to Children's Continuing Care or adult Continuing Healthcare services
Who can contact the DCO
Professionals working in education, health or social care can contact the DCO for advice or support.
The DCO does not usually provide direct support to children, young people or families. This support should normally come from the professionals involved in the child or young person's care.