Stage 08 · What Should an Adult Do? · Known / Suspected / At Risk
Known, suspected or at risk
These are different situations.
Professionals can have different duties depending on what is known, what is suspected, the person’s age, their role and the jurisdiction. The detailed rules belong in professional guidance — not in a pupil’s memory test.
Teacher View
PurposeDemystify what a safe adult response looks like.
AskWhat should an adult do first when a young person shares something worrying?
MisconceptionThe young person is not responsible for proving or managing the case.
SafeguardingTeacher/professional use must preserve role-specific procedures and the exact mandatory-reporting distinction.
Adapt / SEND–EALUse a simple sequence: listen → record appropriately → follow safeguarding procedure / seek specialist advice.
StretchCompare what belongs to a trusted adult, a designated safeguarding lead and other professionals.
Evidence of learningLearner identifies safe adult actions in a sensible order.