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Teachers should look out for girls who have difficulty in walking, sitting and standing, or who request to be excused from PE lessons, according to a new guide on spotting signs of female genital mutilation (FGM).
Other indicators that schools should be aware of include girls having a prolonged absence from school, noticeable behavioural changes following these absences, or girls speaking about being on holiday to their country of origin or another country where the practice is prevalent.
The indicators have been published by Islington Council and the Manor Gardens Welfare Trust as part of a risk assessment tool which helps teachers to identify and assess the risks of the FGM.
The 12-page workbook takes teachers through the signs that a child may be at risk, that FGM may have already taken place, and instructions on what educators should do if such a situation arises.