Jarrow Cross C of E Primary is part of Operation Encompass which is run in partnership with both South Tyneside Council and Northumbria Police.
The project, which commenced 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 parents injuries or distress afterwards or be physically hurt trying to stop the abuse.
As a result, following any domestic abuse incident being reported into Northumbria Police, specialist Police Officers will make contact with Childrens 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.
Mrs McBeth and Mrs Jackson are the key adults 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 schools commitment to working in partnership, to safeguard and protect children, and to providing the best possible care and support for our pupils.
School is also involved with Operation Encompass- the next steps.The project aims to break the cycle of Domestic Abuse through education and support at an appropriate level for the children. It will help all children learn about friendships, relationships, emotions and rules so that they can live and work together safely.
The School will be working with a School Safeguarding Liaison Officer who will lead age appropriate sessions with the children and also be available in School at specified times so that parents, adults and children can talk to them about any issues that they may have around relationships and Domestic Abuse.
These sessions are pitched appropriately and discuss friendships, emotions and empathy and rules and expectations. The session outlines/plans are attached to this page see below.
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 us at school. You can also find out more information through accessing the following website: http://www.operationencompass.org/