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Schools placed on alert over FGM concerns

schools placed on alert over FGM concerns

7 February 2014

Today’s news is heavy with stories of FGM - campaigns and petitions against this illegal, but common practice. Michael Gove is being called upon to ensure that information is given to schools to help in the fight against FGM.

Schools are on the front line and before the summer holidays kick in (when girls are at greatest risk) schools should start this process of informing staff and the wider school community about FGM.

Campaigners are calling for better data so that girls at risk can be reached before it is too late. Surely it is only a matter of time before schools are being asked to provide data about absences, requests for holidays abroad and other signs of FGM noted at school.

It is highly likely, given the high profile of FGM, that it will become part of guidance as schools are told what work really needs to be done to tackle this issue. Schools should start to prepare themselves for this and consider the issues raised for better information, training and a discussion of this issue as a wider school subject.

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