Before opening the lesson, check
I know who the Designated Safeguarding Lead is.
I know my school’s current safeguarding procedure.
Pupils have a private way to ask for help.
Pupils know they can pass without explaining why.
I will not ask pupils to disclose personal or family experiences.
I will not ask pupils about family travel plans as a classroom activity.
I will not ask whether a pupil’s mother or relative has experienced FGM.
I will not ask pupils to identify communities where they think FGM occurs.
I will not use graphic images or descriptions.
I will not ask pupils to investigate FGM on home devices that could be seen by family members.
I know what to do if a pupil tells me something that raises a safeguarding concern.
Create distance. Protect privacy.
Everyone has the right to be heard and respected.
We discuss ideas, situations and characters — not each other’s private lives.
Nobody has to share a personal experience.
Nobody will be put on the spot.
Everyone has the right to pass.
We do not make assumptions about another person, family, religion, culture or community.
Questions can be asked privately.
If a pupil needs to stop
“You don’t need to explain anything in front of the class. You can take a break or speak to me privately.”
Do not publicly ask the pupil why they are upset. Do not assume the reason. Provide a safe private route. If information creates a safeguarding concern, follow the school’s safeguarding procedure.
Respond calmly
“Thank you for telling me.”
“I’m going to take what you have said seriously.”
“I can’t promise to keep information secret if I think somebody may be unsafe.”
“I will only share it with people who need the information to help keep you safe.”
DO: Listen. Use the pupil’s own words. Clarify only what is necessary. Record appropriately. Follow safeguarding procedure.
DO NOT: Interrogate. Ask leading questions. Examine the pupil. Ask them to prove what happened. Confront family members yourself. Ask them to repeatedly retell what happened unnecessarily. Promise absolute confidentiality.