Operation Endeavour

Working Together to Keep Young People Safe

The safety, wellbeing and protection of every learner are at the heart of everything we do.

We recognise that young people may experience difficult or challenging circumstances that can affect their safety, emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging. We believe that every young person deserves to feel safe, understood and supported, particularly during times of uncertainty or vulnerability.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, GUST participates in Operation Endeavour, a partnership initiative designed to help protect and support children and young people who have been reported missing from home.

Through early information sharing and collaborative working, we aim to ensure that learners receive timely, sensitive and appropriate support when they return.

What Is Operation Endeavour?

Operation Endeavour is a safeguarding initiative involving Northumbria Police, Northumberland County Council and educational settings across the region.

The initiative aims to safeguard children and young people who go missing from home by ensuring that relevant information is shared with schools, enabling staff to recognise potential concerns and respond appropriately.

Young people who go missing may be exposed to a range of risks, including exploitation, abuse, criminal activity and other situations that could place their safety and wellbeing at risk.

Operation Endeavour helps schools work alongside safeguarding professionals to identify potential vulnerabilities, provide reassurance and ensure that young people are offered the support they need.

The focus is always on safeguarding, understanding and supporting the young person, rather than judging or blaming them for their circumstances.

How Does Operation Endeavour Work?

When a child or young person is reported missing to the police, relevant safeguarding information may be shared with Children's Social Care and subsequently with nominated members of staff at their school.

This information allows schools to respond sensitively and provide appropriate support following the young person's return.

Information received through Operation Endeavour is handled by designated members of our safeguarding team, known as Key Adults.

These staff members work with the police, Children's Social Care and other relevant professionals to ensure that any concerns are understood and that appropriate safeguarding arrangements are considered.

Information is shared only where necessary and handled securely and confidentially, in accordance with safeguarding and data protection requirements.

How We Support Learners at GUST

We understand that every young person's circumstances are different and that returning to school following a difficult experience may feel overwhelming.

Our approach is rooted in positive relationships, trust, empathy and understanding. We aim to create an environment where learners feel safe to express themselves, ask for help and rebuild their confidence.

Depending on individual circumstances, support may include:

A safe and welcoming environment – providing a calm, supportive space where learners feel secure and valued.
Emotional reassurance – offering opportunities to speak with trusted adults who will listen without judgment.
Individualised support – recognising how experiences may affect wellbeing, behaviour, attendance or engagement with learning.
Positive relationships – helping learners develop trust, strengthen connections and feel a sense of belonging.
Working with families and professionals – collaborating with parents, carers and relevant safeguarding services where appropriate and safe to do so.
Ongoing support – recognising that some young people may need additional time, understanding and consistent reassurance.

Our priority is to ensure that every learner feels listened to, respected and supported, whatever challenges they may be facing.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We believe that safeguarding goes beyond responding to immediate concerns. It is about creating a school culture where young people feel connected, supported and confident that their wellbeing matters.

We understand the importance of recognising individual experiences, responding to potential vulnerabilities and building positive relationships that encourage trust and openness.

Through our nurturing and relationship-based approach, we aim to help learners develop resilience, strengthen their sense of self-worth and recognise that support is always available.

Operation Endeavour forms part of our wider safeguarding commitment, helping us work collaboratively with families, the police, Children's Social Care and other professionals to promote the safety and wellbeing of the young people in our care.

Every young person deserves to feel safe, to be heard and to know that they matter.

Further Information and Support

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

GUST Operation Endeavour Key Adult: Nigel Grant

Telephone: 01670 850 943

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