FGM Awareness Training
Helping education professionals recognise the signs and risks of female genital mutilation, understand safeguarding responsibilities and respond appropriately to concerns.
Mandatory for relevant supply staff working through MAT Recruitment.
Recognise. Respond. Protect.Awareness and early action can help protect vulnerable children and young people.
Awareness can help
prevent serious harm.
Education professionals need to recognise concerns early and know how to respond through safeguarding procedures.
Understand the signs, risks and safeguarding response
Female genital mutilation is a serious form of child abuse and a significant safeguarding concern. Staff working with children and young people need to understand the potential indicators and know how to respond if concerns arise.
Schools need professionals who can recognise potential risks, respond sensitively to concerns or disclosures and follow the correct safeguarding and referral procedures.
All relevant supply staff working through MAT Recruitment are required to complete FGM Awareness Training as part of our safeguarding and compliance requirements.
Be prepared to recognise and act
Build the knowledge needed to identify concerns, understand your responsibilities and support safeguarding action.
Understand
Understand what FGM is, the different types and the context in which it may occur.
Recognise
Identify possible signs that a child or young person may be at risk or may have experienced FGM.
Respond
Know how to respond appropriately and sensitively to concerns or disclosures.
Protect
Understand reporting duties, referral routes and the actions needed to help protect vulnerable pupils.
What you will learn
The course provides practical safeguarding knowledge to help education professionals understand FGM, recognise potential concerns and respond appropriately.
Complete the course and send us your certificate
The training is completed online through the UK Government-funded Virtual College course and typically takes around 1–2 hours.
Access the course
Open the Recognising and Preventing FGM online training.
Register or log in
Create a free account if required and begin the training.
Complete the module
Work through the course at your own pace, typically within 1–2 hours.
Download your certificate
Obtain your certificate of completion when you finish the training.
Send it to your consultant
Email your certificate to MAT Recruitment before your next assignment.
FGM Awareness Training for MAT Recruitment supply staff
This module is mandatory for supply teachers, teaching assistants, HLTAs, cover supervisors and relevant support or pastoral staff supplied through MAT Recruitment.
Completing the training helps ensure our candidates understand their safeguarding responsibilities and are ready to protect vulnerable pupils.
Already completed training?
If you have recently completed recognised FGM Awareness Training within the last 12 months, send your certificate to your consultant for verification.
Not registered yet?
Register with MAT Recruitment to begin your compliance process and access current opportunities in schools.
Mandatory for relevant MAT Recruitment supply staff
Awareness supports early protection
Education staff are not expected to investigate FGM concerns themselves. Your role is to recognise possible indicators, take concerns seriously and follow the correct safeguarding and reporting procedures.
Recognise potential indicators and changes that may warrant safeguarding attention.
Respond to pupils and families professionally, respectfully and without judgement.
Follow safeguarding procedures and make sure concerns reach the appropriate person.
FGM Awareness Training
Is the training mandatory?
Yes. MAT Recruitment requires relevant supply teachers, teaching assistants, HLTAs, cover supervisors and support or pastoral staff who interact with children and young people to complete FGM Awareness Training.
How long does the course take?
The online course typically takes around 1–2 hours to complete.
What if I have already completed FGM Awareness Training?
If you have completed recognised or accredited FGM Awareness Training within the past 12 months, send your certificate to your consultant for verification. You may not need to retake the course.
What happens if I do not complete the training?
MAT Recruitment may pause your supply registration until the required safeguarding compliance has been completed.
What if I have technical problems?
Contact your MAT Recruitment consultant if you experience difficulties accessing or completing the course and the team will support you.
Complete your FGM Awareness Training
Register with MAT Recruitment and complete the safeguarding and compliance training required to work in our partner schools.
