Operation Encompass
Operation Encompass is a new innovative project in which schools in Gloucestershire are involved. It is run in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Board, and Gloucestershire Police. Many other local authorities, both nationally and locally, have successfully implemented Operation Encompass.
Operation Encompass commenced in March 2019 and aims 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 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 staff members 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.
We believe that this project demonstrates our school’s commitment to working in partnership to safeguard and protect children and to provide the best possible care and support for our pupils.
