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QCA

Citizenship at key stages 1 and 2    (Year 1-6)

Unit 04: People who help us - the local police

QCA
About this unit

In this unit, children learn about the local police as an example of people who help us in our community. The activities in the unit could be used to explore in more detail the role of other agencies that help us in the community, eg the fire service, the ambulance service or health professionals. The unit suggests activities that are broadly appropriate for use with children at key stage 1 and key stage 2. These can be adapted as necessary.

The activities in this unit build on the early learning goals. For example, within 'Personal, social and emotional development', children understand what is right, what is wrong, and why; and consider the consequences of their words and actions for themselves and others.

The first part of the unit is for use with children at key stage 1. It helps them to develop awareness of their local police and what they do. They explore ideas about identity and responsibility. The activities help the school to develop links with the wider community. There are also opportunities for children to learn about effective communication skills, strategies for keeping safe and how to deal with potential risk situations.

The second part of the unit is for use with children at key stage 2. Children find out about the work of the police. They explore how the police service operates and how it deals with local and national issues. The role and purpose of other local organisations are also explored. The unit develops children's understanding of the impact of crime, and the benefits of local schemes aimed at supporting the police in reducing crime and helping victims. The unit contains opportunities to link with English, history, geography, education for sustainable development and career-related learning. Some links are indicated in the 'Points to note' section.

This unit links with unit 8 'How do rules and laws affect me?' and unit 9 'Respect for property'.


Sections in this unit

This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. Key stage 1 - Who can help us in our community?
2. Key stage 1 - How can we help to keep our locality and ourselves safe?
3. Key stage 2 - Where is our local police station and what happens there?
4. Key stage 2 - How is our community our responsibility?
5. Key stage 2 - How can I make a difference in my community?