Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. As children and young people went back to school last month and have settled into their routines after the summer holidays, Sefton Council is reminding people on ways you can help protect children in Sefton.

Sefton Council works with schools, nurseries, Merseyside Police and local support services to ensure children who may have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.

Sefton’s Trauma-Informed Approach

Sefton uses a trauma-informed approach. Operation Encompass in Sefton provides early, discreet, and compassionate support to children affected by domestic abuse from the moment they walk through the school gates.

As part of Operation Encompass, which is part of Sefton’s commitment to trauma-informed safeguarding, staff are trained to understand how trauma affects children’s behaviour and development, and to respond with empathy and care.

Signs to Look Out For

If you're concerned about a child, some signs that may indicate they are experiencing trauma or domestic abuse include:

• Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Difficulty concentrating or engaging in schoolwork
• Unexplained physical injuries
• Anxiety, depression, or emotional outbursts
• Reluctance to go home or talk about home life

Please visit: Sefton Safeguarding Children Partnership - Worried about a child?

How you can help

You can support Operation Encompass and help protect children in Sefton by:

• Share any concerns you may have about a child’s wellbeing or safety. This can be shared by contacting one of the support services available in Sefton or reporting to their school.
• Check the school’s website or talk to the child’s school or nursery about their safeguarding policies and find out who the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is.
• Raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support available in your community.

Support services in Sefton

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, help is available:

• Sefton Domestic Abuse Service Helpline: 0151 394 1400 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm)
• SWACA (Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid): www.swaca.com
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (Free, 24/7, confidential)
• If you are a teacher or professional with Safeguarding concerns or queries, you can call the Operation Encompass Professional Helpline: 0204 513 9990 (Mon–Fri, 8am–1pm)
• Sefton Council’s Domestic Abuse Support Page at https://www.sefton.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/
• For safeguarding concerns or if you're unsure how to proceed: 0345 140 0845

Councillor Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement and Chair of Sefton’s Domestic Abuse Partnership Board said:

“We want every child in Sefton to feel safe, seen and supported. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and you can help by reporting.

“Operation Encompass is one of the ways Sefton is committed to safeguarding, through allowing schools to respond quickly and compassionately when a child has been affected by domestic abuse.”

What happens next

If Merseyside Police attend a domestic abuse incident where a child is present, they notify the child’s school or early years setting before the start of the next school day. This allows staff to prepare and offer appropriate support immediately.

In Sefton schools, this support may include:

• A quiet, safe space where the child can take time out if they feel overwhelmed.
• Time with a trusted adult, such as a pastoral lead, teaching assistant, or safeguarding officer, who can listen and offer reassurance.
• Monitoring of emotional wellbeing and behaviour, with staff keeping a gentle eye on changes in mood, engagement, or social interaction.
• Tailored classroom support, such as flexibility with tasks, reduced pressure, or opportunities for creative expression.
• Access to counselling or therapeutic services, either within the school or through referral to local support organisations like SWACA (Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid).
• Support for parents and carers, including signposting to services and help with navigating safeguarding processes.

Only key staff are informed, ensuring the child’s privacy is respected while still enabling effective care.

Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility.

For further information regarding services aimed at reducing domestic abuse, please visit: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/