Meet our DSCO!

My name is Jenny Haines, and I am the Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO) for Stoke-on-Trent. I also serve as the Head of the Children's Disability Team. With 21 years of experience working in Stoke and 9 years as a Manager within the CWD Team, I bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to my role.

I am deeply committed to SEND and I am passionate about communication and coproduction with families, emphasising the importance of inclusion.

In my role, I advocate for children with SEND across social care services for disabled children, young people, and adults. This includes identifying needs early and developing pathways for those not currently known to social care. I am actively involved in the EHC needs assessment and planning process, providing information, advice, and support for the local offer.

I ensure that social care services are accurately reflected in the local offer and incorporate updates from professionals and parents. Coordination of EHC assessments with other social care assessments (CIN/CP/LAC reviews) is a key part of my responsibilities. I also assist parents and professionals in understanding the thresholds for social care support.

Additionally, I am involved in joint commissioning services to identify the best services for our children. This includes integrating services, promoting participation and engagement of families, role modelling joint working, and maintaining meaningful dialogue and coproduction with partners, children, young people, and families.

You will often find me at PEGIS events, coffee mornings, and SEND Community Lounges.

If you need to contact me at anytime, my contact numbers are 01782 231 247 and 07767 179 546 or email: jenny.haines@stoke.gov.uk