Make a Referral | Blue Dolphin Care

Commissioning Pathway

Who We Support & Intake Criteria

Atlantic House is registered with Ofsted to support up to 3 children and young people experiencing significant emotional and behavioural difficulties. We specialise in supporting young people with complex developmental trauma and attachment needs.

Intake Criteria Summary

Age Range: 8–18 Years (Co-educational)
Needs Profile: EBD, complex trauma, attachment difficulties, history of placement instability
Capacity: Maximum 3 young people per home to ensure quality therapeutic outcomes
Transition Types: Planned transitions preferred; emergency placements considered on a robust case-by-case matching review

Our Commissioning & Matching Process

All referrals are reviewed jointly by our Registered Manager (Shannon McKenna) and Responsible Individual (Natesha Miller) to evaluate compatibility. Our standard pathway is designed for efficiency and safety:

Initial Enquiry & Acknowledgement

We acknowledge receipt of all referrals within 2 hours. An initial vacancy status check is performed immediately.

Information Sharing & Documentation Pack

Local authorities share a core document pack. This must include the latest LAC review minutes, up-to-date Risk Assessment, EHCP/PEP plans, and any psychological reports.

Group Dynamic Matching Assessment

We complete a formal Group Dynamic Matching Assessment within 24 hours of document receipt. This ensures the new placement aligns with the needs, age ranges, and safety of existing residents.

Introductory Visits & Transition

Once matching is approved, we coordinate pre-admission visits to Atlantic House, allowing the young person to meet the team and current residents prior to move-in day.

Required Referral Documents Checklist

To expedite our 24-hour matching assessment, please ensure you submit:

✓ Current LAC Review / Care Plan
✓ Up-to-date Risk Assessment (including missing / self-harm protocols)
✓ Personal Education Plan (PEP) & EHCP (if applicable)
✓ Healthcare Record & Psychological Reports

Placement Enquiry

Your Name *

Authority / Organisation *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Child's Age *

Brief Description of Needs *

Direct Placement Support

Referral Liaison Directory

If you prefer to make a direct email referral or discuss an emergency placement, please contact our leadership team below.

Shannon McKenna

Registered Manager

Directly oversees Atlantic House operations and placement matching.

s.mckenna@bluedolphincare.com

Natesha Miller

Responsible Individual

Supervises regulatory compliance, safeguarding quality, and escalation.

N.Miller@bluedolphincare.com

Jagminder Sandhu

Director

Manages local authority service level agreements and strategic placement expansion.

J.Sandhu@bluedolphincare.com

Make a Placement Referral