Operation Encompass is an innovative project in which schools in Gloucestershire participate, and which is run in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Executive and Gloucestershire Police. Many other Local Authorities both nationally and locally have successfully implemented Operation Encompass.

Operation Encompass commenced in Gloucestershire in 2019 and its purpose is to support children and young people who are affected by domestic abuse. Witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse is really distressing for a child or young person, who often see the abuse, hear it from another room, see a parent’s injuries or distress afterwards, or can be physically hurt by trying to stop the abuse.

As a result, following any domestic abuse incident being reported to the police, the Police will make contact with one of the Education Researchers within the Gloucestershire Multi- Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), who will then on behalf of the police communicate relevant, necessary and proportionate information to nominated school staff. This will ensure that the school is made aware at the earliest possible opportunity and can subsequently provide support to children in a way that means they feel safe and listened to.

Each school has members of staff who have been fully trained in liaising with police and Children’s Social Care when required, and will ensure that the necessary support is made available to the child or young person following the notification of a domestic abuse incident.

This project demonstrates our school’s commitment to working in partnership to safeguard and protect children, and to providing the best possible care and support for our pupils.

If you would like to speak to someone further about the project or require further information, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead Miss Helen Charlesworth, Assistant Head. Please be aware that this is a police led project and therefore any complaints that you have regarding this process must be directed through the police complaints process.

Related links:

• Operation Encompass
• BBC Victoria Derbyshire clip
• Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS)