DCO / DMO for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
Information about Designated Medical Officer (DMO) and Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)
The Designated Medical Officer (DMO) is a community paediatrician and Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) is an experienced paediatric therapist who both have a role in providing a link between the Local Authority and Health services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
They both have a key role in supporting Leeds Health and Care Partnership (NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board) to meet its statutory responsibilities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
The DMO / DCO are involved in working with Health services, local authorities and other SEND partners on the delivery of the standards set out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice 2014 and are dedicated to shaping services and joined up working that meets the needs of children and young people and their families.
Our vision is to listen to children and young people, families and professionals to help shape how health services offer the right provision to ensure children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are able to reach their goals and achieve their outcomes.
The DMO and the DCO role are not expected to be clinically involved in all assessments or plans.
Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) / Designated Medical Officer (DMO)
Designated Clinical Officer
Sally Townend is the DCO for SEND for Leeds ICB. Her role is to support health colleagues across the Leeds Health and Care Partnership, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust to ensure children and young people 0-25 with SEND have the right health support to achieve the best outcomes they possibly can.
It's a varied role and includes:
Supporting health practitioners to improve the early identification of children with SEND.
Oversight from a health perspective of education, health and care panels to discuss which children go forward for assessments and then if required have a formal plan (EHCP)
Supporting health professionals to contribute to the Education, Health and Care Plan process Working with others in the local area to improve the quality of Education, Health and Care Plans.
Supporting the SENSAP team at the local authority with questions and queries
Promoting links between the SENSAP team, education professionals, social care and health services
Supporting the commissioners and senior leadership team with regards to meeting and assuring the SEND health requirements
Working alongside commissioners and stakeholders including children and young people, parents and carers to inform decisions about the future development of services.
Ensuring we can evidence a good local offer of health services and clear health journeys for those age 0-25 with SEND.
Designated Medical Officer
Dr Nagashree Nallapeta is the DMO for SEND for Leeds. Her role is to ensure that identification, assessment, planning and health support is carried out for all CYP undergoing EHC needs assessment in the area.
It includes:
Key point of contact for health advice on the identification of additional need in children who may require additional support.
Key point of contact of contact for local authorities and schools
Supporting schools on the implementation of guidance “Supporting Children with Medical Conditions” 2013.
Oversight of health plans where issues are identified where further clarification is required.
Leadership role in co-working between health, education and early years through chairing of multi-agency forum 3 times per year
