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What is a DCO

What is a Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)?

Each Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are advised to  provide a designated medical officer (DMO) or designated clinical officer (DCO). The DCO plays a key part in putting into action the SEND reforms and in supporting joined-up working between health services and local authorities.

The Designated Clinical Officer for SEND

Michelle Racey is the Designated Clinical Officer for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) for Sheffield.  Michelle works closely with colleagues within the local authority and health providers to make sure that children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND have the right health support to achieve the best that they possibly can.

Michelle’s work includes:
  • attending local authority education, health and care panels to talk about which children go forwards for assessments and then, if required, have a formal plan (EHCP)
  • supporting health professionals with the information needed within the assessments and education colleagues to get the correct information and support
  • supporting the SEND team at the local authorities with questions on information
  • signposting education professionals to health services and professionals for advice
  • signing off and assuring the quality of the advice and plans
  • working alongside the commissioners and stakeholders including parents, children and young people, to identify and raise any commissioning gaps
  • ensuring we have a good local offer of health services for those age 0-25 with SEND
  • taking part in processes to ensure that we consider requests for those with highly complex needs, including continuing care
  • supporting the commissioners and senior leadership team to ensure that the SEND health requirements are met

Michelle works as part of the Commissioning Team for Children, Young People and Maternity services and is supported by an EHCP Assessing Practitioner for SEND.