Female genital mutilation (FGM) must be taught about in schools, a former minister has said as she outlined her struggles to persuade the Government to act.

Liberal Democrat Baroness Featherstone, a minister throughout the coalition government, said such teaching would allow girls to be warned about what could happen to them and who they should talk to if they are worried.

The former Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green explained how she tried with Michael Gove but failed to bring in the measures when he was education secretary.

Lady Featherstone's remarks came as peers raised concerns over a lack of FGM prosecutions before supporting draft legislation which aims to better protect girls at risk.

The Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill, moved by crossbench peer Lord Berkeley of Knighton, would enable courts to make interim care orders in child cases relating to FGM.

Lord Berkeley said the family court can make such orders in cases where a child is at risk of forced marriage and other harm but not FGM.

A local authority would have shared parental responsibility for the child concerned until a final hearing.

Speaking at second reading, Lady Featherstone said: "A measure that still remains untouched is teaching about FGM in schools, as so many girls have no idea what is about to happen to them.

"We have to be able to warn them about sudden visits home, signpost who they can talk to if they are worried and explain what might happen. We have to bring this into schools.

"I am afraid I tried with Michael Gove and failed.

"I also tried with Justine Greening, whom I hoped would bring it forward when she was education secretary, but sadly she did not.

"We still need that to be brought forward in schools, particularly in areas of high prevalence, where there is extreme resistance by the community, parents and head teachers to spreading any knowledge about this.

"We need to be speaking to the male leaders of communities that practice FGM.

"Of course, much of the answer lies within the community itself, so we clearly need to support the brave girls and groups who campaign from and within the community and to make sure that they are given the help and funding they need to carry out their hugely important work."

For the Government, Baroness Vere of Norbiton said the education of girls and women is "essential" with such work from within their communities likely to be most effective.

On the Bill, she added there has been an "oversight" in the law and it would be supported by the Government.

The Bill will undergo further scrutiny at a later stage.