Safeguarding

Our school is part of Operation Encompass

Operation Encompass is a unique Police and Education early intervention safeguarding partnership which ensures that a child/ young person's school/ college is informed, prior to the start of the next school day, that there has been a domestic abuse, vulnerable child or missing incident to which the child or young person has been exposed, and which might then have an impact on them in school/ college the following day.

Children were recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right in the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act.

Operation Encompass means that the police will share information with our school about all police attended Domestic Abuse incidents which involve any of our children PRIOR to the start of the next school day. This information will be shared throughout the year, including holidays and weekends. Information will only be shared with the school/ college by the police where it is identified that a young person was present, witnessed or was involved.

Once a Key Adult (DSL) and their deputy/ies (DDSLs) have attended either an Operation Encompass briefing or completed the online Operation Encompass Key Adult training they will cascade the principles of Operation Encompass to all other school staff and Governors. All schools staff and Governors can undertake the online training.

A nominated member of staff, known as a Key Adult, has been trained to liaise with the police. The key adult is Mrs Harrison.

Our school will be able to use information that has been shared with them, in confidence, to ensure that the school makes provision for possible difficulties experienced by children or their families. The Key Adult will keep this information confidential and will only share it on a need-to-know basis, for instance, to teaching staff for the child or young person. It will not be shared with other school students. The Operation Encompass information is stored in line with all other confidential safeguarding and child protection information.

Should you require any further queries regarding this then please come and speak to either Mrs Harrison or Mrs Hargreaves.

Operation Encompass Documents

What is the Prevent strategy?

• The Prevent strategy is a government initiative designed to safeguard individuals from embracing terrorism or aligning with terrorist or extremist causes.
• This strategy encompasses all forms of terrorism and extremism, ranging from the extreme right wing and violent Islamist groups to other ideologies.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?

• Starting in July 2015, schools and other organisations have been required to protect children from radicalisation and extremism.
• This means we must shield children from extremist and violent views, just as we protect them from any other danger.
• We provide a safe space for students to explore these complex topics in an age-appropriate way, empowering them to protect themselves.

How do we put this into action at St. Aidan's?

Many of our existing practices that nurture positive, well-adjusted individuals also align with the Prevent strategy. These include:

• A strong, consistent set of aims and values that guide our school.
• Emphasis on core values.
• Exploring diverse cultures and religions to promote understanding.
• Actively challenging prejudices and racist remarks.
• Developing critical thinking and a strong, positive sense of self.
• Promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, including British values like democracy.

We also take specific steps to shield children from radicalisation:

• Internet filters block access to extremist and terrorist material.
• Thorough vetting of visitors who work with our students.

Is it appropriate for my child, at such a young age, to learn about extremism?

The Prevent strategy isn't solely about discussing extremism, which may not be suitable for all ages. It's also about fostering values like tolerance and respect. That's our focus at St. Aidan's.

Rest assured, any discussions will be tailored to the age and maturity of the children involved.

Is extremism really a risk in our area?

Extremism comes in various forms, including political, religious, and misogynistic. Some types may pose a greater risk to our area than others.

We are committed to equipping children with the skills to resist all forms of extremist views, both now and in the future.

Questions or Concerns?

We encourage you to contact the school with any questions or concerns about the Prevent Strategy and how it affects your child.

Learn More

For detailed information about radicalisation, please see our safeguarding policy on our website. You'll also find resources explaining our approach to spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, as well as British values.

Prevent Documents