Operation Encompass – Updated & Consolidated Version
What is Operation Encompass?
Operation Encompass is a partnership between schools and the police that helps support children who may have been involved in, or have witnessed, incidents at home.
When the police attend an incident and a child has been present or affected, they notify the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) before the next school day.
[Safeguarding]
This early information sharing allows the school to offer the right support at the right time.
Why is Operation Encompass important?
Children can be deeply affected by difficult events at home.
Knowing that something has happened means the school can:
- Offer immediate emotional support
- Understand any changes in behaviour or mood
- Provide a safe and calm environment
- Work closely with families if needed
- Ensure the child has someone to talk to
This helps the child feel understood, supported and safe when they arrive at school.
How does it work?
- Police attend an incident where a child has been present or affected.
- Police inform the School’s DSL before the next school day.
- The DSL handles the information confidentially and sensitively.
- Highfield offers appropriate support, which may include:
- A quiet space
- Emotional check‑ins
- Pastoral support
- Adjustments for learning
- Contact with parents or carers (when appropriate)
Only staff who need to know are informed.
What does Highfield do with the information?
Highfield follows strict safeguarding and confidentiality procedures.
Information from Operation Encompass:
- Is used only to help support the child
- Is kept confidential
- Is never shared outside safeguarding procedures
- Is stored securely following school and local safeguarding policies
What families should know
Operation Encompass exists to help children feel safe and supported.
- You do not need to do anything to be part of the scheme
- It does not replace any police actions or safeguarding processes
- The aim is simply to make sure your child has the right support in school the next day
If you ever have concerns or want to talk, please contact one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).
Further Information
Operation Encompass is part of our wider safeguarding commitment and is recommended for all schools across the UK.
Highfield takes part because we believe children should feel safe, listened to and supported at all times.
