Female genital mutilation (FGM): staff factsheet
Share our factsheet with staff so they know what FGM is and what signs to look out for in a child that it may take place, or that it has taken place. Make sure they also understand their reporting duties and what they should do if they have concerns.
Download your ready-made resources
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a form of child abuse with long-lasting, harmful consequences. It is illegal in the UK.
The child's family often believes the practice is beneficial and in a child's best interests – this can limit a child’s motivation to raise concerns or talk openly about it. Teachers have a statutory duty to report known cases of FGM, and all staff have a responsibility to keep children safe, so it's important they know about this issue.
Use this factsheet to make sure your staff know:
- What FGM is
- What factors might mean a child is more at risk of FGM
- How to spot the signs that FGM may be about to take place, or has taken place
- What to do if you suspect, or know, that FGM is about to take place or has taken place
Using this factsheet as part of a staff meeting or training session?
Try using some of these questions to help start a discussion about FGM with your staff:
- What prejudices or preconceptions might we have around FGM? How can we make it more likely that we'll identify and act on concerns or instances of FGM, and support pupils who have been victims of FGM?
- For example, could people be concerned about appearing racist if they report a concern, or see FGM as part of a culture or religion and not something for them to get involved in?
- What wider school and community factors can we positively influence that might lower the risk of FGM?
- For example, making pupils aware of FGM in an age-appropriate way?
- What challenges might we face in discussing topics such as this with our pupils?
- What worries or concerns would you have in relation to discussing or reporting FGM? What support would you like in relation to this?
- If you reported your concerns about FGM and were not confident of the action taken, what would you do next?
Next ...
... follow up by testing your staff's knowledge with our safeguarding scenarios on FGM.
