We have lots of people who help us in the community and it's great to learn about how they help us in our day-to-day lives. Some of these people help us in emergencies, like firefighters, police and doctors and nurses. If there is an emergency, you'll need to know how to get in touch with the right person to help you (however old you are).
Other people help us to stay safe and healthy, like opticians, dentists and refuse collectors.
Anybody can do a job that helps other people if they have been trained properly – maybe they'll want to do one of these jobs when they grow up.
Learning about this topic helps children to make connections between themselves and the outside world. It aims to make them more aware of the different jobs and roles people take on in their own homes, in school and in their local community. It can help allay fears for children who worry about going to visit medical specialists or have concerns about intruders or fire. By educating young children about the people who try and prevent these things happening or help us if they do we are showing children the systems in place within our society to ensure that we live in a safe and supportive community. The topic also provides key life skills for children (for example, knowing how to dial the emergency services, who to ask if they get lost, how to test smoke alarms, etc.).
This topic encourages children to notice places and people in their community and, show them that they are part of a wider community and opens up possibilities for them to consider future careers. If taught well it can also play a major role in helping to break down gender stereotypes and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone.
