Verify Before You Trust™
This intervention framework references recognised UK education guidance — including Department for Education (DfE) generative AI guidance for schools, Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) expectations on pupil data, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and Ofqual assessment integrity guidance, and Ofsted expectations for safeguarding and curriculum quality. It supports school self-assessment; it is not legal advice and does not imply official endorsement or compliance certification.
Why This Matters
Artificial intelligence can save teachers significant time, improve productivity and provide useful starting points for planning, assessment and communication. However, AI systems can also generate inaccurate information, misleading advice and inappropriate content.
Teachers remain professionally accountable for any material used with pupils, parents and colleagues. AI can assist your professional judgement, but it cannot replace it.
The purpose of this framework is to help teachers maintain strong human oversight when using AI tools.
What Good AI Use Looks Like
Responsible AI use means:
- Using AI to support thinking, not replace it.
- Verifying important information before use.
- Adapting AI-generated content for your pupils.
- Protecting personal and sensitive information.
- Remaining accountable for professional decisions.
The Verify Before You Trust™ Framework
Step 1: Form Your Own View First
Before opening an AI tool:
- Clarify your objective.
- Identify what success looks like.
- Consider what you already know.
What would I do if AI was unavailable?
This helps maintain professional judgement and reduces over-reliance.
Step 2: Compare, Don't Defer
Treat AI as a colleague offering suggestions, not an expert making decisions. Review against your own knowledge and experience:
- Lesson plans
- Assessment questions
- Parent communications
- Behaviour strategies
- Classroom activities
Step 3: Check the Blind Spots
Review every AI output for:
Accuracy
- Are facts correct?
- Are examples accurate?
- Are statistics current?
Age Appropriateness
- Is the language suitable?
- Does it match the developmental stage of pupils?
Bias
- Does the content represent groups fairly?
- Are alternative perspectives considered?
Safeguarding
- Could this content create safeguarding concerns?
- Does it deal appropriately with sensitive topics?
Step 4: Own The Decision
Would I confidently explain and justify this content to a parent, colleague or school leader?
If the answer is no, revise or discard it.
Common AI Mistakes
Hallucinations
- Sources
- Quotes
- Statistics
- Research findings
False Confidence
AI often sounds certain when it is wrong.
Outdated Information
Information may not reflect current guidance or curriculum changes.
Generic Responses
Outputs often require adaptation to suit your pupils and context.
Data Protection Reminder
Never enter the following into public AI tools unless approved by your school and compliant with data protection requirements (ICO):
- Pupil names
- SEND information
- Safeguarding concerns
- Medical information
- Behaviour records
Quick Verification Checklist
Before using AI-generated content:
- I understand the purpose.
- I have reviewed the content.
- I have checked accuracy.
- I have considered safeguarding implications.
- I have adapted it for my pupils.
- I am willing to take responsibility for the final version.
What can I download?
Teacher Verification Checklist (PDF — add download in editor)
Printable version of the quick verification checklist above.
Training Available
AI Awareness Day Teacher Session
Topics include:
- Human oversight
- AI literacy
- Data protection
- Safeguarding
- Responsible classroom use
Improve Your Benchmark Score
This framework supports improvement in:
- Human Oversight
- AI Literacy
- Safe Adoption
- Privacy Awareness
Retake the benchmark after applying these principles
Wider Support & Development
For more information, guidance and support — including how AI Awareness Day can help your school — contact the AI Awareness team.