Stage 08 · What Should an Adult Do? · Introduction

What Should an Adult Do?

A young person’s job is not to prove what happened.

Adults have responsibilities to listen and follow safeguarding procedures.

Teacher View

Teach

Purpose Demystify what a safe adult response looks like.

Ask What should an adult do first when a young person shares something worrying?

Respond

Misconception The young person is not responsible for proving or managing the case.

Protect

Safeguarding Teacher/professional use must preserve role-specific procedures and the exact mandatory-reporting distinction.

Adapt & assess

SEND / EAL Use a simple sequence: listen → record appropriately → follow safeguarding procedure / seek specialist advice.

Stretch Compare what belongs to a trusted adult, a designated safeguarding lead and other professionals.

Evidence of learning Learner identifies safe adult actions in a sensible order.