Buswells Lodge Primary School
FGM
Female Genital Mutilation is ILLEGAL
There are an estimated 137,000 women and girls affected by FGM in England and Wales (Figures taken from NSPCC). Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a growing cause of concern in all schools, including primary school.
FGM is child abuse and a form of violence against women and girls, and therefore it is dealt with as part of existing child and adult safeguarding/protection structures, policies and procedures.
It is illegal in the UK to subject a child to female genital mutilation (FGM) or to take a child abroad to undergo the procedure – Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.
Despite the harm it causes, FGM practising communities consider it normal to protect their cultural identity. The age at which girls are subject to FGM varies greatly, from shortly after birth to any time up to adulthood.
Staff at Buswells Lodge Primary School have completed FGM training as part of our safeguarding procedures and are aware of the signs to look out for to both prevent opportunities for FGM and identify victims.
Information for children can be found by clicking on the icon below:
The mandatory reporting duty for FGM under the Serious Crime Act 2015 requires teachers in England and Wales to report known cases of FGM in under 18 year olds to the police. Guidelines on Mandatory reporting can be found on the link below:
Further advice for parents and professionals can be found by clicking on each icon below to access information and support websites.
Advice and counselling for anyone affected by FGM can be found on the link below - this will take you to the FORWARD website:
FORWARD also has a youth website designed for young people aged 11yrs to 25yrs old. You can access this link by clicking on the icon below:
If you are worried that a child is at risk or is a victim of FGM, you can call the FGM helpline. It is free, anonymous and available 24hours. Call them on 0800 028 3550, or email them at:
fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk