GLF Schools

GLF Schools

GLF Schools was founded in 2012 in order to enable the federation of Glyn School (an academy in 2011) and Danetree Junior School. Together, we began our journey to become a MAT of more than 1000 talented staff working with over 10,000 children in 40 schools across 5 regions in southern England.

Our Schools

Banbury Region

Banstead Region

Berkshire & Hampshire Region

Caterham Region

Crawley Region

Didcot Region

Epsom Region

London Boroughs

Redhill Region

Sunbury & Camberley Region

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Forge Wood Primary School is committed to protecting our pupils and raising awareness about FGM. By understanding the signs, consequences, and legal implications of FGM, we can work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding FGM, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your vigilance and support are crucial in preventing this harmful practice.

What is female genital mutilation (FGM)? 

FGM is when a female's genitals are deliberately altered or removed for non-medical reasons. It's also known as 'female circumcision' or 'cutting', but has many other names. The National FGM Centre has a list of traditional terms (PDF) that you might find helpful. 

FGM is CHILD ABUSE and a criminal offence in the UK. Usually it is a girl’s parents or her extended family who are responsible for arranging FGM. Some of the reasons given for the continued practice of FGM include; protecting family honour, preserving tradition, ensuring a woman’s chastity, cleanliness and as a preparation for marriage. 

Whilst FGM is often seen as an act of love, rather than cruelty, it causes significant harm and constitutes physical and emotional abuse. FGM is considered to be child abuse in the UK and is a violation of the child’s right to life, their bodily integrity as well as of their right to health. 

 What are the signs of FGM? 

A child who's at risk of FGM might ask for help. But some children might not know what's going to happen to them. Below are some of the signs teachers are trained to be aware of that FGM might happen: 

  •  A relative or someone known as a 'cutter' visiting from abroad. 
  • A special occasion or ceremony takes place where a girl 'becomes a woman' or is 'prepared for marriage'.
  • A female relative, like a mother, sister or aunt has undergone FGM. 
  • A family arranges a long holiday overseas or visits a family abroad during the summer holidays. 
  • A girl has an unexpected or long absence from school.
  • A girl struggles to keep up in school.
  • A girl runs away – or plans to run away - from home.

Who’s at risk? 

Girls living in communities that practise FGM are most at risk. It can happen in the UK or abroad. In the UK, the Home Office has identified girls and women from certain communities as being more at risk. Below is a list of the communities identified: Somali, Kenyan, Ethiopian, Sierra Leonean ,Sudanese, Egyptian, Nigerian, Eritrean, Yemeni, Kurdish, Indonesian.

Online Resources

We encourage parents and carers to explore the following online resources for information and support:

Daughters of Eve: This website raises awareness about FGM and provides links to supportive services. 

NSPCC FGM Information: The NSPCC offers detailed advice on recognising the signs, symptoms, and effects of FGM. They also provide support for those concerned about a child's safety or individuals who have been affected.

NSPCC FGM Helpline: Call 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk for free and anonymous assistance.