Something Doesn’t Feel Right
Safeguarding thresholds are about action under uncertainty. They are not an invitation for learners to become investigators or amateur lawyers.
This level examines proportionality: what response is justified by a concern, and what would be excessive?
Teacher View
Teach
Purpose Connect concern/proof distinction to proportionate professional reasoning.
Ask What action is justified by this information — no more and no less?
Respond
Misconception If evidence is incomplete, either nothing can happen or the worst-case scenario must be treated as fact.
Protect
Safeguarding Do not teach statutory thresholds as pupil decision rules; keep legal thresholds in professional materials.
Adapt & assess
SEND / EAL Use a proportionality ladder: notice → consult → safeguard → investigate (professional).
Evidence of learning Learner selects a proportionate next action and defends it.