Exam Pass Notes

Use these notes as a final review before the assessment. They summarise the course’s main points but do not replace your home’s safeguarding policy or local procedures.

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Core knowledge

• FGM means non-medical injury to or alteration of female genital organs.
• When it affects a child, FGM is child abuse and is illegal across the UK.
• FGM is not required by any religion and has no health benefit.
• The WHO describes four main types; frontline staff should not attempt to diagnose a type.
• FGM can cause immediate and long-term physical and emotional harm.

Recognising and responding

• Risk indicators include references to a special ceremony, family pressure, planned travel, fear of contact, or a known family history.
• Signs after FGM can include pain, difficulty sitting or walking, changes in toileting, withdrawal, or fear of medical appointments.
• Do not examine the child, investigate the allegation yourself, confront family members, or promise secrecy.
• Listen calmly, record the child’s exact words, and escalate promptly via your safeguarding routes.
• Use emergency routes if the child is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical care.

Law, records and support

• In England and Wales, specified regulated health and social care professionals and teachers have a personal mandatory duty to report known under-18 FGM cases to the police.
• Suspected or at-risk cases still require safeguarding action even where the mandatory reporting duty does not apply to you personally.
• Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate law, guidance and child protection procedures.
• Records should note the child’s exact words, the context, observations, actions taken, any advice given and reference numbers.
• Children affected by FGM need dignity, privacy, appropriate health care, emotional support and adults who avoid forcing repeated retelling.

For the exam, remember the safe practice sequence: notice, listen, record, protect, escalate and support.