As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and pastoral care, we would like to let parents and guardians know that the school is involved in Operation Encompass. 

Operation Encompass is a national safeguarding initiative that supports children who may be affected by domestic abuse. It was developed following research that showed how incidents in the home can have a significant impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing, learning and behaviour in school. The initiative was created through close partnership working between schools, local authorities and the police, with the shared aim of ensuring children receive timely, sensitive support. 

When the police attend a domestic abuse incident where a child is present or usually lives at the address, Operation Encompass enables the school to be informed, in confidence, before the start of the next school day. This does not involve sharing details of the incident. Instead, it allows the school to be aware that a child may need extra care, understanding or reassurance during the day. 

The aim of Operation Encompass is simple but powerful: to ensure that children are not left to cope alone. By knowing that something difficult may have happened, school staff can respond with compassion, offer appropriate emotional support, and help the child feel safe and settled while they are with us. 

We understand that domestic abuse can affect families in many different ways, and that those experiencing this may be living with very challenging circumstances. Our involvement in Operation Encompass is rooted in respect, confidentiality and kindness. Information is shared only with trained staff on a strictly need-to-know basis, and always with the child’s best interests at heart. 

At Pilgrims’ School, Craig Cuyler is the trained Key Adult for Operation Encompass. This means he is the person who receives information from the police and ensures that appropriate, sensitive support is in place for any child who may need it. 

If you have any questions about Operation Encompass, or if you would like to talk to someone in school about concerns relating to your child’s wellbeing, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to listen, to support, and to work alongside families with care and understanding. 

Craig Cuyler
Designated Safeguarding Lead/Director of Wellbeing/
Head of PSHEe/Assistant Housemaster (Main School)