Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is an illegal operation under the Female Mutilation Act 2003,it  is a form of child abuse and as such, is dealt with under the school’s Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy.  The school considers that FGM is a grave violation of the rights of girls and women.

 We need to be alert to the possibility of a girl being at risk of FGM, or already having suffered FGM.  Therefore, our staff have been briefed on the importance of FGM through our Whole School Safeguarding and are aware of some of the signs and symptoms. The  school recognises that this is sometimes known as female genital cutting, or female circumcision. Communities tend to use local names including sunna, cutting

The school identifies that girls from African communities including Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Sierra Leonea, Egypt, Nigeria, Eritea are at risk of FGM. It in addition recognizes that communities from Non-African communities including Yemeni, Afghani, Kurdish, Indonesian and Pakistani are also at risk.

Signs to look out for may that suggest a girl is at risk of FGM:

• Knowing that children belong to a community where FGM is practiced and is making preparations for the child to take a holiday, arranging vaccinations or planning absence from school
• Child talking about a special procedure/ceremony that is going to take place and being bought lots of presents 

Signs that FGM may have already happened:

• prolonged absence from school or activities such as PE
• noticeable behavior change on return from prolonged absence
• bladder ( frequent visits to the toilet) or menstrual changes
• child finds it difficult to sit still and looks uncomfortable, complains about pain between their legs
• talks of something somebody did to them that they are not allowed to talk about

If conIf you are concerned about someone who is at risk of FGM or has occurred

• talk to them about concerns using simple language
• be sensitive
• report to Mrs Stretton
• when leave of absence/holiday requests are being submitted by parents, the intention for going abroad or extended leave needs be written. Staff in school are trained. Whilst recognising that FGM is unlikey to be shared. Any actual reports or suspicion of FGM whilst overseas eg. Child talking about a celebration for them, lots of gifts, phrases such as cutting or a child is worried about going on holiday, will be reported immediately to the Senior Designated Person Mrs Stretton. If you as a prent have any suspicion in relation to another family it is your duty to inform the school. 
• you can ring the police directly yourself at any time of day. Phone 101 ext FGM
• you can contact childrens social care duty and assessment team any time of day on Tel.0116 454 1004

Resp

​We raise awareness of staff in regard to the issues of FGM through Whole School Training

• Staff have a clear understanding of what FGM is
• FGM is within the schools Safeguarding Policy
• Sex and Health curriculum supports pupils understanding of their bodies and keeping themselves safe
• Monitoring absences

21.3   From October 2015, it has been a mandatory responsibility of all staff members to report any suspicion of F    of FGM to the police if the child is under 18 years of age.  

If st  Staff will, in the first instance report their concerns to the Mrs Stretton, Mr Whheler or Mr Ranzetta.

Advic   Any reports would be referred to the Police and Children's Social Care Team

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FGM