Operation Encompass

Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery is proud to be part of Operation Encompass, a national scheme that helps us support children and young people who experience domestic abuse in their household.

What is Operation Encompass?

Operation Encompass is a partnership between schools and the police. Where police officers attend a domestic abuse incident and identify that a child from our school was present or living in that household, they will inform our Designated Safeguarding Lead (or a trained deputy) before the start of the next school day.

Why this matters

Experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse can have a significant impact on a child's emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and ability to learn. Children may come to school the morning after an incident feeling frightened, anxious, tired, or unsettled — often without anyone at school knowing why.

By making sure key staff are aware, we can offer immediate, discreet, and appropriate support, tailored to that child's needs — whether that's a quiet word, a bit of extra understanding that day, or more structured pastoral support going forward. This early, informed response, known as "silent support," helps children feel safe and cared for at a time when they need it most.

Confidentiality

Any information shared with us through Operation Encompass is treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. It is shared only with relevant staff on a need-to-know basis, in line with our safeguarding policy, and is used solely to help us support the child appropriately.

Our commitment

Our trained Operation Encompass key adults are:

James Waddington - Designated Safeguarding Lead

Kerry Crossley – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

If you would like to know more about Operation Encompass, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team, or visit www.operationencompass.org for further information.