Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Statutory guidance
Multi-agency statutory guidance on FGM (GOV.UK)
Mandatory duty to report FGM (GOV.UK)
Duty to report
From 31 October 2015, social workers, health professionals and teachers have a mandatory duty to report to the police any known cases of FGM, when a disclosure has been made or there is visual confirmation for all under 18s.
What to do if a child discloses that FGM has already happened to them:
- Talk to your DSL and discuss actions. Your DSL may want to have a further conversation with the child, you should be present for this discussion
- As this is a disclosed case, you will need to follow your mandatory duty. Therefore, you will need to call the non-emergency 101 number
- Write down the crime reference number
- Your DSL will also need to follow up with ECIRS (social care in Ealing)
- Make a note of all your actions.
What to do if you suspect a girl is at risk of FGM:
- Follow your usual safeguarding procedures in school
- Discuss with DSL
- DSL may need to contact ECIRS for further advice
- Keep record of any conversation with child and/or family.
Contacts
Ealing children's integrated response service (ECIRS) referrals: 020 8825 8000
Police non-emergency number: 101
Resources for schools
The National FGM Centre has an extensive knowledge hub and resource centre with leaflets and support documents for professional.
Training for professionals
Centralised training on FGM is also run annually at the Ealing Education Centre. It is advised that all school staff, both teaching and non-teaching, attend training on FGM. Book your free place on Ealing CPD online.
Schools can also contact the community outreach worker for FGM and project lead for community led approach to ending FGM for advice. Ending FGM project 2024/25 | Ealing Grid for Learning (egfl.org.uk) Please email Hoda Ali at hwarsame4.307@lgflmail.org
