Female genital mutilation (sometimes referred to as female circumcision) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is illegal in the UK. It has been estimated that over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK each year, and that 66,000 women in the UK are living with the consequences of FGM. FGM can occur at different times in a girls or woman's life, this may include at birth, during childhood or adolescence, just before marriage and during pregnancy. However, the true extent is unknown due to the 'hidden' nature of the crime. FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, most commonly before puberty starts. Female genital mutilation (sometimes referred to as female circumcision) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is illegal in the UK. It has been estimated that over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK each year, and that 66,000 women in the UK are living with the consequences of FGM. FGM can occur at different times in a girls or woman's life, this may include at birth, during childhood or adolescence, just before marriage and during pregnancy. However, the true extent is unknown due to the 'hidden' nature of the crime. FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, most commonly before puberty starts.

Different languages use different terminology for FGM such as female circumcision, cutting, sunna, gudniin or tahur. A full list of terminology can be found on the National FGM Centre. There are no health benefits to FGM. Removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue interferes with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies. Immediate effects include severe pain, shock, wound infections, injury to tissues and organs.FGM can sometimes cause death. Long-term consequences include chronic vaginal and pelvic infections, kidney impairment and possible kidney failure, complications in pregnancy and new-born deaths and psychological damage. FGM is illegal in the UK. It is also illegal to arrange for a child to be taken abroad for FGM. If caught, offenders face a large fine and a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

At Woodland Community Primary School the DSL's will teach Year 5 and Year 6 girls about FGM and who to speak to if they have concerns all in line with the RSE Policy and talking about Healthy Relationships.