Operation Encompass
Supporting children affected by domestic abuse
At Euxton Primrose Hill Primary School, we recognise that domestic abuse can have a significant impact on children and young people, even when they are not directly involved in an incident.
We are part of Operation Encompass, a national initiative that helps police and schools work together to support children who have experienced or been exposed to domestic abuse.
The purpose of Operation Encompass is to make sure that children can receive appropriate support as soon as possible following a domestic abuse incident.
How does Operation Encompass work?
When the police attend a domestic abuse incident and there are children or young people connected to the household, information may be shared with the child's school through Operation Encompass.
This enables school to be aware that a child may have experienced something upsetting or distressing and to consider what support they may need.
The information shared is treated sensitively and confidentially and is used to help us safeguard and support children.
How can we support children?
Children and young people can respond to experiences of domestic abuse in many different ways.
They may feel:
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worried or frightened
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upset or angry
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withdrawn or quiet
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tired or unable to concentrate
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anxious about coming to school
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concerned about what is happening at home.
Every child responds differently.
Where we are made aware of an Operation Encompass notification, we will consider the individual needs of the child and provide appropriate support.
This might include:
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a trusted adult checking in with the child
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providing a safe space to talk
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pastoral or nurture support
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reassurance and emotional support
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monitoring the child's wellbeing
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working with the family and other professionals where appropriate.
We will always consider the child's individual circumstances and what support is most appropriate for them.
Our Key Adult
Our Operation Encompass Key Adult is:
Mrs Claire Jones
Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Our Key Adult works alongside the school's safeguarding team to ensure that information received through Operation Encompass is responded to appropriately and that children receive the support they need.
Our wider Designated Safeguarding Team also have a role in supporting children and responding to safeguarding concerns.
Operation Encompass and safeguarding
Operation Encompass forms part of our wider safeguarding arrangements.
Information shared through Operation Encompass does not replace our usual safeguarding procedures. Where we have concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing, we will follow our safeguarding procedures and seek advice or support from appropriate agencies where necessary.
Our priority is always to ensure that children feel safe, supported and listened to.
If you are worried about a child
If you are worried about a child's safety or wellbeing, please talk to us.
You can speak to any member of our safeguarding team.
You do not need to wait for an Operation Encompass notification before sharing a concern with school.
For further information about how we keep children safe, please visit our Safeguarding page.
Further information
For more information about Operation Encompass and how it works, please visit the Operation Encompass website.
Every child deserves to feel safe.
At Primrose Hill, we are committed to supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse with sensitivity, care and respect.
