Operation Encompass
At Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist School the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are proud to be part of Operation Encompass, a national initiative that supports children who may have been affected by domestic abuse.
What is Operation Encompass?
Operation Encompass is a partnership between schools and the police. It ensures that schools are notified, before the start of the next school day, if a child has been present at or exposed to a domestic abuse incident.
This confidential information allows the school to provide immediate support to the child when they arrive at school.
How the Programme Works
When the police attend a domestic abuse incident where a child from our school is present, the police will notify our trained safeguarding team. This notification is shared with the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) before the next school day begins.
This enables the school to:
- Provide immediate emotional support if needed
- Be aware that a child may have had a difficult evening or night
- Respond sensitively to changes in behaviour or wellbeing
- Ensure the child feels safe, supported and understood in school
Confidentiality and Safeguarding
All Operation Encompass notifications are treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Information is only shared with key safeguarding staff who need to know in order to support the child.
The aim of the programme is not to investigate incidents, but to ensure that children who may be affected by domestic abuse receive the understanding and care they need in school.
Our Commitment
By participating in Operation Encompass, we are strengthening our safeguarding systems and ensuring that no child faces the impact of domestic abuse alone. Our staff are trained to respond with care, sensitivity and professionalism so that every child continues to feel safe, valued and supported.
If you would like to know more about Operation Encompass, please speak to the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead.