Operation Encompass
In Every Force | In Every School | For Every Child
Our school is part of a project, which is run between Merseyside schools and Merseyside Police. The project called Operation Encompass, has been designed to provide early reporting of any domestic violence incidents that occur outside school, which might have an impact on a child in school. This is done through a notification to school following an incident.
The project ensures that at least one member of the school staff, known as the Key Adult, is trained to liaise with the police and to use the information that has been shared, in confidence. In this way, we aim to support each child who has been involved in, or witnessed, a domestic abuse incident. The Key Adult at St Anne's is Mrs Sophie Volynchook (Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead). If she receives an Encompass notification she will make sure that a person the child trusts is available to help - if the child needs this.
A lot of the time this support is silent; keeping a careful eye on him or her and make sure the child has a calm school day. The confidential information is ordinarily not shared with all staff, just an agreement on how to help, if needed. All schools have a duty to share any information with other organisations if they feel a child is at risk of being hurt. The Key Adult may contact other organisations. This is described in our child protection policy.
The sharing of information from the Police allows the school to be ready to help your child straight away, and it means that parents are aware that the Key Adult knows that something has happened. The Key Adult can point you towards other people that can help. Our aim is to support children and their families.”
The current procedures for reporting Domestic Abuse incidents to schools can involve a lengthy delay in the transfer of information, which means that our children are left without the support and nurture that they need when they need it most. Operation Encompass has been created to address this so that by the start of the next school day, the school’s Key Adult will have been informed that the child or young person has been involved, heard or witnessed a domestic incident. This knowledge, given to schools through Operation Encompass, allows the provision of immediate early intervention through silent or overt support dependent upon the needs and wishes of the child.
Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads; Mrs Sharon Wylde (Deputy Headteacher) and Miss Sam Flaherty (Wellbeing and Welfare Manager) have also received training in Operation Encompass and may also deal with any notifications we receive and supporting the care of our children accordingly.
If you have any questions about Operation Encompass, please do not hesitate to contact us.