Teaching about FGM is an important part of a school’s approach to safeguarding and child protection. To support schools that are teaching specifically about FGM at primary phase (beyond the protective factors developed through other contexts), the PSHE Association has developed new guidance and a lesson plan for upper key stage 2 (Year 5-6).
Guidance: The guidance is for teachers and PSHE leads teaching about FGM during the primary phase. It contextualises the issue and the relevant statutory requirements to help you consider how to include FGM within your curriculum at an age-appropriate level. Ensure you read the guidance before teaching the lesson.
Lesson Plan (PDF and PowerPoint versions available): For use with Year 5 or 6 pupils, the lesson plan and accompanying resources will help teachers to:
- explain what FGM is
- highlight to pupils the importance of reporting concerns around FGM (for themselves and others) and how to do this
- explore the issue in a sensitive and age-appropriate way — helping pupils to: identify myths and facts; engage in group and paired discussion; and recognise how FGM relates to the UN convention on the rights of the Child
