Early Years Operation Encompass

Operation Encompass is a vital safeguarding initiative that supports the wellbeing of children who may be affected by domestic abuse. In early years and childcare settings, Operation Encompass ensures that Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are informed promptly - usually before the start of the next school or nursery day - when a child has been exposed to a domestic incident. This timely sharing of information enables practitioners to offer immediate and tailored support, helping children feel safe, secure and understood during potentially distressing times. By embedding Operation Encompass into everyday practice, early years settings can play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable children and promoting their emotional resilience.

Operation Encompass Rollout Summer 2026

Following an initial pilot of two areas in Norfolk, we are now implementing Operation Encompass across the county to all early years group settings. Work is ongoing with Norfolk Police to include childminders in the future. If you are a school with a nursery class you need to attend an Early Years Operation Encompass briefing as you will need to sign up separately from the school's Operation Encompass.

All DSLs in Norfolk early years group settings and school nursery classes are required to attend a briefing session, details of which can be found on our safeguarding training webpage.