Supporting Young People When They Need It Most

At GUST Independent School, the safety, wellbeing and emotional development of every learner are at the heart of everything we do.

We recognise that experiences outside of school can have a significant impact on a young person's wellbeing, confidence and ability to engage in learning. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and understanding environment where every learner feels supported, valued and listened to.

As part of our safeguarding commitment, GUST participates in Operation Encompass, a national initiative that helps schools provide timely and appropriate support to children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

What Is Operation Encompass?

Operation Encompass is a safeguarding partnership between the police and educational settings, designed to ensure that children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse receive the understanding and support they need.

When police attend a domestic abuse incident involving a household connected to a child or young person, relevant information is shared securely with their school, normally before the start of the next school day.

This includes situations where a young person may not have directly witnessed an incident but could still be affected by what has happened.

By receiving this information promptly, schools can respond sensitively and provide appropriate support at the earliest opportunity.

How Does Operation Encompass Work at GUST?

At GUST, information shared through Operation Encompass is received by a trained member of our safeguarding team, known as a Key Adult.

The Key Adult works closely with the police and relevant professionals to ensure that information is handled sensitively, securely and confidentially, in accordance with safeguarding and data protection requirements.

This enables our staff to recognise when a learner may need additional understanding, reassurance or support during the school day.

Depending on the individual needs of the young person, the support may include:

• Providing a safe and trusted space where they feel comfortable and supported.

• Offering additional emotional support, reassurance and understanding.

• Responding sensitively to changes in behaviour, wellbeing or engagement with learning.

• Making appropriate adjustments to help the learner feel safe and settled.

• Working with other safeguarding professionals and support services where necessary.

Our priority is always to respond with compassion, discretion and an understanding of each learner's individual circumstances.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At GUST, we understand that every young person's experiences are different and that there is no single approach to supporting those affected by domestic abuse.

Our relationship-based and nurturing approach allows us to recognise individual needs, build trust and provide consistent support without judgement.

We believe that young people should never feel defined by the challenges they experience. Instead, we aim to provide stability, encouragement and a sense of belonging, helping learners to develop the confidence and resilience to move forward.

Through Operation Encompass and our wider safeguarding practices, we remain committed to ensuring that every learner feels safe, heard and supported throughout their educational journey.

Further Information and Support

If you would like to learn more about Operation Encompass or have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a young person, please contact our safeguarding team.

GUST Operation Encompass Key Adult: Nigel Grant

Telephone: 01670 850 943

Email: info@gustschool.com / safeguarding@gustschool.com 

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999.

For further information about the national initiative, please visit: