The Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) works on behalf of NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) to help make sure that children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) get the right support from health services.
The DCO works closely with education, social care, families and health providers to improve services, promote joined-up working and help ensure that the needs of children and young people are considered in local planning and decision-making.
The Designated Clinical Officer provides strategic advice and oversight across the SEND system, supporting quality improvement, partnership working and the development of inclusive services and helps ensure that health services contribute effectively to Education, Health and Care (EHC) processes and work together with partners to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Jenny Van Niekerk is North Tyneside's Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) for SEND.