Designated clinical officers

Designated Clinical Officers (DCO) support the health service to make sure they are meeting the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

They coordinate assessments and processes where health services are involved.

You can contact the DCO for your area if you have a question or concern about the health provision for your child's SEND support.

Improving services and processes

DCOs work to raise awareness of SEND and improve links between health, education and social care professionals. You can find out more about this in the practitioner section.

The DCOs want to hear your views. You can contact them directly or share your views through parent representatives, at meetings and events.

Local Area Partnership (LAP) meetings

DCOs host Local Area Partnership meetings so families can identify and address SEND issues at a local level.

The meetings have representatives from health, education and the local authority. At least one parent carer representative goes to each LAP meeting to help make sure your voice is heard.

To raise a question or concern in your area please contact your DCO.

Contact

North - Lancaster, Wyre and Fylde

Kathleen Freear

Tel: 01253 956 168
Email: Kathleen.Freear@nhs.net

East - Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale

Carole Kay

Tel: 01254 612 722
Email: lcn-tr.dcopennine@nhs.net

South - Preston, South Ribble, Chorley and West Lancashire

Anne Hardman

Tel: 01254 612 723
Email: lcn-tr.dcosouth@nhs.net