Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genital organs are injured or changed with no medical reason. It is child abuse, it is illegal in the UK, and it can be prevented when the adults around a girl know what to look for. This FGM training for early years staff explains what FGM is, why it happens, the risk factors and warning signs, and what the law expects of you.
Why FGM training matters
FGM is frequently a traumatic and violent act. It can cause severe pain and shock, bleeding, infection, long-term urinary and menstrual problems, complications in childbirth and lasting psychological harm, including post-traumatic stress. It is a human rights violation and a form of violence against women and girls. It is not only an African problem and it is not an Islamic practice. It is a global problem.
FGM has been illegal in the UK since 1985. It is also illegal to take a British national or UK resident abroad for FGM, even where it is legal in that country, or to help anyone carry it out. It carries up to 14 years in prison, and failing to protect a girl from FGM is also a crime. Teachers and regulated health and social care professionals have a mandatory duty to report to the police on 101 if they discover that FGM has been carried out on a girl under 18. For everyone else, the duty of care is just as real: follow your setting’s safeguarding procedures as soon as you have a concern.
What’s in the course
- What FGM isThe statutory definition and the many names used for FGM within communities.
- The four types of FGMClitoridectomy, excision, infibulation and other harmful procedures, explained with diagrams.
- Why FGM is practisedThe beliefs, myths and pressures behind it, from ideas of belonging and marriage to false claims about religion and hygiene.
- Risk factorsThe family circumstances that can place a girl at higher risk.
- Signs and indicatorsSigns that FGM may be about to happen, and signs that it may already have taken place.
- The impact of FGMThe physical and emotional effects on girls and women, in childhood and later life.
- The law and mandatory reportingThe offences, the penalties, the reporting duty and how to report.
- Challenging FGM and getting helpResponding with confidence, working with families and where to go for advice and support.
- Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
What you’ll learn
- The definition of FGM used in the multi-agency statutory guidance, and some of the other names families may use for it
- The four types of FGM and what each involves
- The risk factors, such as a mother, sister or cousin who has undergone FGM, a father from a practising community, strong influence of elders and a family that does not engage with professionals
- Signs FGM may be about to happen, such as talk of a long holiday to a country where it is practised, a female elder visiting from the country of origin, or a girl mentioning a “special procedure”
- Signs it may already have happened, such as difficulty walking, sitting or standing, spending a long time in the toilet, urinary problems or a noticeable change in behaviour
- The law, including the offence of taking a girl abroad for FGM and the 14-year maximum sentence
- How the mandatory reporting duty works and that reports are made to the police on the 101 non-emergency number
- How to respond when someone says FGM is “their culture”, and where to signpost survivors for support
Who this course is for
- Practitioners and key persons who build close relationships with children and families
- Designated safeguarding leads and managers responsible for safeguarding procedures
- Room leaders and staff who notice patterns of absence or talk of long trips abroad
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- Interactive moduleShort slides, diagrams and a video you work through at your own pace.
- 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.
Training your team
Warning signs are easier to spot and act on when every adult in the setting knows them, so this course works best as part of whole-team safeguarding training. Choose the number of learners at checkout, with group rates from 3 learners, or get it as part of the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month. It pairs well with Safeguarding for Childcare Practitioners (Level 2) and Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3).
Frequently asked questions
Why do early years staff need FGM training?
FGM is child abuse, and several of the warning signs, such as a planned long trip abroad, a female elder visiting or a sudden change in a child’s behaviour, can be noticed by the adults who see a child and her family every day.
What should I do if I think a girl is at risk?
Follow your setting’s safeguarding procedures straight away so the concern is dealt with quickly. Your setting may need to liaise with local children’s social care. If a girl is in immediate danger, call 999.
Does the mandatory reporting duty apply to me?
The duty applies to teachers and regulated health and social care professionals who discover that FGM has been carried out on a girl under 18. The lesson links to the government’s procedural information, which sets out exactly who is covered. Whatever your role, you have a duty of care to act on any concern.
What if a family says FGM is part of their culture?
Acknowledge that it is a sensitive subject, but culture is never a reason to stay silent. FGM is child abuse, it is illegal in the UK and it causes lasting physical and emotional harm. The course helps you challenge it calmly and confidently.
Is FGM linked to a particular religion?
No. The course is clear that FGM is not an Islamic practice and is not only an African problem. It is a global issue.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
