Lesson 2 of 7 · 7 min · 8-card deck

When a pupil discloses something to you

What to say, what not to promise, and how to record and report.

How you respond in the first 60 seconds of a disclosure matters more than almost anything else. A pupil who has just told you something serious is reading your reaction to decide whether to keep talking. Stay calm, listen actively, and do not interrupt with questions or advice.

Never promise confidentiality. The phrase 'I won't tell anyone' is one of the most damaging things a teacher can say, because you have a statutory duty to refer. Instead, say something like: 'Thank you for telling me. I have to share this with someone who can help — but I'll tell you who and what I'm going to say.'

Active recall flashcards

Work through every card. Try to answer in your head before flipping — the act of retrieving is what builds durable memory.

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Practice scenario

After class, a Year 9 pupil quietly says her stepfather 'shouts and grabs her arm'. The teacher says: 'Thank you for telling me — that took courage. I have to tell our safeguarding lead so we can help. I'll tell you exactly what I'm going to say.' She writes verbatim notes within the hour and reports to the DSL before leaving the building.

Try this in your classroom

Listen calmly and let the pupil lead.
Never promise confidentiality.
Use only open, non-leading prompts.
Record verbatim and refer to the DSL the same day.