Operation Encompass is a project running in schools in Gateshead and is being run in partnership with Northumbria Police.

The project, which will commence in January 2016, aims to support children who are affected by Domestic Abuse.  Witnessing domestic abuse is really distressing for a young person, who can often see the abuse, hear it from another room, see a parent’s injuries or distress afterwards or be physically hurt trying to stop the abuse.

As a result, following any domestic abuse incident being reported to Northumbria Police, specialist Police Officers will contact Children’s Social Care who will then communicate relevant and necessary information to nominated school staff.  This will ensure that the school is made aware at the earliest possible opportunity and can subsequently provide support to children, in a way that means they feel safe and listened to.

Operation Encompass aims to support children who are affected by Domestic Abuse.  Witnessing domestic abuse is really distressing for a young person, who can often see the abuse, hear it from another room, see a parent’s injuries or distress afterwards or be physically hurt trying to stop the abuse.

As a result, following any domestic abuse incident being reported to Northumbria Police, specialist Police Officers will contact Children’s Social Care who will then communicate relevant and necessary information to nominated school staff.  This will ensure that the school is made aware at the earliest possible opportunity and can subsequently provide support to children, in a way that means they feel safe and listened to.

Each school has a member of staff (key adult) who has been fully trained to liaise with the Police and Social Services, when required, and will ensure that necessary support is made available to the child following the disclosure of a domestic abuse incident.

We believe that this project demonstrates our school’s commitment to working in partnership, to safeguard and protect children, and to provide the best possible care and support for our pupils.

In the meantime, if you would like to speak to someone further about the project or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Onions.

You can also find out more information through accessing the following website: http://www.operationencompass.org/

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is a command of the National Crime Agency. CEOP work to protect children from harm online and offline, directly through National Crime Agency led operations and in partnership with local and international agencies. They offer advice to parents and carers.

If you are concerned about your child’s activities online, you can contact CEOP here.

CEOP helps any child or young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in ‘the real world’, or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP by clicking the link above.                 

For immediate concerns please call 0191 421 2244 or 0191 607 8063

There has been a recent rise in the use of different apps by young people on their phones that often disguise what they really do. Parents and Carers should be aware of the following apps below and monitor their children’s phones to be aware of the dangers/risks that they pose. If you have any concerns please contact the safeguarding team.

Click to view:

• Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
• Consilium Online Safety Policy
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 
• Working Together to Safeguard Children