Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)

Each local area in the North Central London (NCL) sector will have either a Designated Medical Officer (DMO) or Designated Clinical Officer (DCO).

This role was created as part of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms. The aim is to support the NCL Integrated Care Board and local health services in the implementation of the:

  • Children and Families Act 2014
  • SEND code of practice

For two days per week, the Camden DCO plays a key part in supporting joined-up working between:

  • health services
  • local authorities
  • SEND partners

What does the role involve?

The role is varied and involves:

  1. Listening to children and young people, families, and professionals. This is to make sure that health services are better able to support children and young people with SEND.
  2. Maintaining an overview of the way health services work with local children, young people, and families with SEND across the 0 to 25 age range in Camden.
  3. Working with health staff to ensure good quality contributions to the Education, Health, and Care Plan process.
  4. Working with others to improve the quality of Educational Health Care Plans.
  5. Contributing to the Camden SEND Strategy, Camden Local Offer, and other integrated SEND workstreams.
  6. Providing advice to education settings with regards to their duties under the ‘Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions’ guidance.
  7. Oversight from a health perspective of education, health, and care panels to discuss which children go forward for assessments. Then if required have a formal plan Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).
  8. Work with families and providers to secure commissioned services that are identified as being appropriate to meet the needs of the local community.
  9. Being a point of contact for local authorities, schools, and colleges seeking health advice on children and young people with SEND. Also for when specialist health advice is required.

The DCO wouldn't routinely be involved in assessments or planning for individuals. They would be responsible for making sure that assessment, planning, and health support is carried out.

Who is the DCO for Camden?

Kate Bayley is the Designated Clinical Officer for Camden.  Kate has worked in Camden health services and schools for more than 20 years. She can be contacted by email on [email protected].