1. Designated Clinical Officer Islington Lesley Platts l.platts@nhs.net

2. DCO
Experienced paediatric therapist who have a dedicated role in providing a link between the Local Authority and Health services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Clinical expertise in caring for children and young people with additional needs and providing advice to education.
They have a key role is supporting Islington CCG  to meet its statutory responsibilities and ensure that health advice is given within 6 weeks for EHCP assessment, agreeing the relevant health services within an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

3. DCO
The DCO oversees the processes for Health information being shared with Education for the purposes of EHCP needs assessments; they offer advice, quality checking and support to clinicians writing reports for this purpose, ensuring standardisation and fair access to services for families.
They are a member of the EHC Management Board and agree health provision
They act as a point of contact for others involved in the care of children and young people with additional needs on matters related to health and education, for example, local authorities, schools, colleges, voluntary services
Key advisor to LA at SEN Tribunals

4. DCO
Key strategic advisor on health and CAMHS to LA and CCG and support pathways of care for early identification and access to appropriate assessment for CYP SEND
Identifying effective models and evidence based clinical practice around for CYP with SEND including NICE guidelines
Identifying clinical service area development areas
Promote integrated working practices across agencies included coordination of care, shared assessments and joint visions around outcomes
Bridge with GP and acute services to support CYP SEND processes
Supporting SEN with their duties regarding pupils with medical conditions

5. Support for Families
Being a parent to a disabled child or child with special educational needs can become a stressful experience when you can't find the information, advice or support you need and then there's the health services !!!!

7. Work with families
Provision of information and advice in the Local Offer on available health services for children and young people with SEND, their parents and those who may care for them or want to refer them for assessment
Co-ordinate health content for the local offer
Ensuring a process is in place for review and monitoring of outcomes
Answer queries, complaints and comments regarding health service provision for CYP with SEND
Review pathways for specialist commissioning AAC/equipment / wheelchairs etc particularly around transition
Ensuring evidence based practice and up to-date research and audit into clinical interventions
Developing joint care pathways such as Down’s Syndrome pathway