Support Services Overview

Overview

This 45-minute session introduces Year 10 students to the main functions of the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Neighbourhood Watch, fulfilling Level 1 PSHE criteria 4.2 from the National Curriculum for England. The lesson supports students in understanding valuable community support organisations, promoting active citizenship and personal well-being.

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National Curriculum Links

• PSHE Education Programme of Study (KS4 Level 1):

  • Social and Emotional Wellbeing - Recognising community support networks and their role in personal and communal safety and advice.
  • Citizenship and Community - Understanding rights, responsibilities, and how to access support for life challenges (DfE PSHE Association Framework).

• Learning Objective 4.2:
  Identify the main functions of:
  a) Citizens Advice Bureau
  b) Neighbourhood Watch

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• LO1: Describe at least two key functions of the Citizens Advice Bureau.
• LO2: Explain at least two roles or functions of the Neighbourhood Watch.
• LO3: Demonstrate an understanding of how accessing these organisations can support individuals and communities.

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Resources

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed scenario cards (see activities)
• Role-play badges for CAB advisor and Neighbourhood Watch coordinator
• Large flip chart paper or board for mind-mapping
• Student folders for notes

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Starter (5 minutes)

• Activity: Word association game
• Process: Write "Citizens Advice Bureau" and "Neighbourhood Watch" on the board. Ask students to shout out any words or ideas they associate with these terms.
• Purpose: Activate prior knowledge & engage curiosity.

2. Teacher Input (10 minutes)

• Present a clear, jargon-free explanation:
  • Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, confidential advice on issues like debt, housing, employment, benefits. Helps individuals understand their rights and solve problems.
  • Neighbourhood Watch: Community-led group aiming to reduce crime by encouraging vigilance, sharing information, and promoting safety.
• Use simple examples (e.g., someone seeking advice on debt from CAB; neighbours working together to report suspicious activities).
• Visual Aid: Show a flow diagram mapping problem > accessing CAB or neighbourhood watch > solution/outcome.

3. Group Activity – Scenario Exploration (15 minutes)

• Split class into pairs or trios (max 3 per group).
• Distribute printed scenario cards depicting everyday situations relevant to CAB or Neighbourhood Watch. For example:
  • “Sara has problems paying her rent and needs advice.” → CAB role
  • “Mike notices strangers acting suspiciously in his neighbourhood.” → Neighbourhood Watch role
• Students discuss which organisation would help, how it would help, and what the person should do next.
• Each group records their ideas on flip-chart paper or verbally shares with the class.
• Teacher supports with probing questions to deepen understanding.

4. Role-Play (10 minutes)

• Choose two volunteers for a quick role-play: one as CAB advisor, one as client with a problem; repeat with two others for Neighbourhood Watch scenario.
• Encourage use of polite language and explaining functions clearly.
• Class observes and provides positive feedback and suggestions.

5. Plenary & Assessment (5 minutes)

• Quick quiz (verbal or written):
  • Name two functions of the CAB.
  • What is the main goal of Neighbourhood Watch?
• Ask reflective questions: “How can knowing about these organisations help you or your family?”
• Collect a simple exit slip where each student writes one new thing they learned today.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide sentence starters or word banks for scenario discussions.
• Challenge: Encourage some students to link functions to wider citizenship themes like rights and responsibilities.
• Use visual diagrams and real-life photos to aid comprehension.

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Assessment

• Formative checks during group discussion and role-play to gauge understanding.
• Exit slip used as summative informal assessment aligned with Level 1 criteria 4.2.
• Teacher annotations and observations recorded for future planning.

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Extension/Homework Suggestion

• Students to research local CAB or Neighbourhood Watch groups and write a short paragraph on their role in the community.
• Optional digital task: Create a simple leaflet or poster explaining one of the organisations for a younger peer group.

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Teacher Tips to Impress

• Use real case examples from local communities (anonymised) to make learning tangible.
• Facilitate a ‘safe space’ by promoting respectful listening and valuing all contributions.
• Incorporate modern communication methods where these organisations operate (e.g., social media, apps) to make content relevant.
• Collect student feedback on usefulness to tailor next lessons.

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This lesson not only meets National Curriculum standards but builds essential life skills, fostering confident, informed community members.