https://www.operationencompass.org/

At St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery, the safety, dignity and wellbeing of every child are central to our mission. Operation Encompass is an important partnership between schools, children’s services and the police, designed to ensure that children who may be affected by domestic abuse receive timely care, understanding and support. Our school works directly with Merseyside Police as part of this initiative.

Operation Encompass enables Merseyside Police to inform a specially trained member of school staff, known as the Key Adult, before the start of the next school day if a child has been involved in, or witnessed, a domestic abuse incident. This early sharing of information means we can offer sensitive, compassionate support from the moment a child arrives in school.

Our Key Adult is Mrs J McCormick, Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Mrs L McCormick, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), also has secure access to the safeguarding email system to ensure that a safeguarding lead | deputy is always available to act upon any notification.

When a message is received, the Key Adult ensures that someone the child trusts is ready to support them in a calm and sensitive way if needed. Often this support is quiet and unobtrusive, simply ensuring that the child has a settled and reassuring school day. All information shared through Operation Encompass is treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Only staff who need to know how to help the child will receive guidance.

As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, the Key Adult may also liaise with other professional agencies if there are concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. Parents and carers are always welcome to speak with the Key Adult if they have any questions, concerns or wish to seek support. We can also signpost families to additional services that may help them.

To ensure clarity and transparency for our families, Operation Encompass information is shared with all parents at the beginning of each school year. This is reinforced during parent welcome meetings, where families are reminded of the purpose of the initiative and the support available. In addition, posters signposting help and support are displayed prominently on our parent noticeboard throughout the year.

Operation Encompass is in place across all police forces in the United Kingdom. Schools, nurseries, pre-school settings and childminders take part where local police capacity allows. Staff in participating schools receive training so they can recognise the impact of domestic abuse on children and respond in an informed, compassionate manner.