At The Gateway Primary Academy, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. Every child has the right to grow up safe from harm, abuse and exploitation.

As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we work to protect children from the risks associated with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). All staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and understand their responsibilities for identifying and reporting concerns.

What is FGM?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genital organs are intentionally altered or injured for non-medical reasons.

FGM is illegal in the United Kingdom and is recognised as a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls.

FGM can have serious lifelong physical and emotional consequences for victims.

Our Responsibilities

The Gateway Primary Academy:

• Follows statutory safeguarding guidance.
• Provides training for all staff regarding FGM.
• Takes all concerns seriously.
• Works with children's social care, the police and other safeguarding agencies where appropriate.
• Ensures that concerns are reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

What Parents Can Do

Parents and carers can help protect children by:

• Talking openly about online safety.
• Monitoring age-appropriate internet use.
• Knowing who children communicate with online.
• Encouraging children to speak about anything that worries them.
• Reporting concerns to school promptly.

Strong home-school partnerships are essential in helping children stay safe.

Useful organisations and guidance include:

• NSPCC
• Childline
• Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP)
• GOV.UK Safeguarding Guidance
• CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command)