Resource

The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 5-11)

Join the UK’s biggest legal education campaign during February 2026.

Overview

The law affects every aspect of our lives, but children and young people rarely learn about it in the classroom. We want to empower teachers to start a conversation about the law in schools.

Running throughout February 2026, The Big Legal Lesson provides the tools you need to confidently introduce the law into your classroom.

What’s in the resource packs?

The Big Legal Lesson is a starting point for pupils to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. In the lessons and spark activities, pupils explore questions such as:

  • What is the law and how does it affect my daily life?
  • Who has the power to make and change the law? How do recent changes to the law affect me
  • What new laws would I like to see and how can I make my voice heard by those in power?

Each lesson pack gives you everything you need to teach the session in one place, including a full PowerPoint, a lesson plan, and both printable and non‑print alternatives for every activity.

A Spark activity is a short, ready‑to‑use prompt designed to quickly get pupils thinking, talking, and exploring big ideas in an age‑appropriate way. Each Spark uses a simple picture and a small set of questions to “spark” curiosity, discussion, and reflection without the need for any specialist knowledge.

They work for circle time, lesson starters, assemblies, or quick drop‑in moments, helping pupils connect the law to their own lives through accessible examples and guided conversation.

Share the good news!

Download our media pack to help you celebrate your involvement on your website and social media channels. It contains sample social media posts and graphics,

Send us your photos, ideas and feedback via social media @YoungCitizensUK using the hashtag #TheBigLegalLesson.

“I had positive feedback from every class due to the active nature of the [lessons], and the children thoroughly enjoyed learning about their rights and responsibilities.”

Primary School Teacher, The Big Legal Lesson

Looking for the secondary and further education resources? Access the resource pack for ages 11-18+ here.

Legal education

Explore more resources about the law in our resource library

More Assemblies resources

Assemblies, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

The G7 (Assembly Pack)

During this assembly pupils explore the history and function of the G7 and are introduced to the sort of discussions held at the annual G7 Summit. They learn about the…

Assemblies, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Inspirational People – Nelson Mandela

This assembly is an introduction to the life and work of Nelson Mandela. You may like to run it in conjunction with the lesson ‘Inspirational People.’    To access this content,…

Assemblies, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Inspirational People – Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole

This assembly is an introduction to the lives of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. You may like to run it in conjunction with the lesson ‘Inspirational People.’      To access…

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Preventing Infectious Diseases

This lesson should be delivered as a follow-up to the lesson ‘What is an infectious disease?’ In this lesson pupils will recap their knowledge of infectious diseases, they will then…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS1 (ages 5-7)

My Goals

In this lesson pupils will learn to set simple goals and consider the steps they can take towards achieving them. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Water: Our Most Precious Resource

In this lesson pupils will learn about the qualities of water and why it is vital to life on Earth.   They will consider the problems facing people who cannot…

More Understanding Rules & The Law resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Children’s Rights

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Discrimination

In this lesson pupils will develop their understanding of the term ‘discrimination’. Pupils will consider what makes them unique and learn which characteristics are protected under the Equality Act. Pupils…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Law in Wales

Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In...

More KS1 (ages 5-7) resources

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring for our Communities

In this lesson pupils will think about the importance of caring for their community and the varied caring responsibilities which are held by members of the community. They will identify…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

World Female Ranger Day (KS1)

During this lesson pupils will learn about World Female Ranger Day. Pupils will explore where the continent of Africa is and learn about its unique wildlife, and why it needs…

Lessons, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Exploring Our Community

In this lesson pupils will research what is meant by the word ‘community’. Pupils will think about who lives in their area and what services and facilities there are for…

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Class Posters, Relationships, KS1 (ages 5-7)

We Think Before We Act (poster)

We think about how our actions and words might affect other people, communities and the environment. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

Class Posters, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

We Make a Difference in Our Communities (poster)

We know that positive change starts with many small actions. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

Class Posters, KS1 (ages 5-7)

We Consider Other Viewpoints Before Making Up Our Minds (poster)

We speak our minds but also listen to and consider other people’s points of view. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.