UK Edition: Bank Basics: Statements, Direct Debits and Scams, SEND, KS4 and Post-16

A bank basics set for KS4 and post 16 SEND learners, built around a UK current account: sort code and account number, a month of money in and out with a running balance, Direct Debits, a standing order for rent, contactless, and how to spot a scam text.

Why I made this

The first time many of my learners look closely at a bank statement is when something has gone wrong. A statement is just a list of money in and money out, in date order, with a running balance. Once that clicks, Direct Debits and standing orders stop being a mystery. I finish with scam texts, because young adults with a new account and a new phone are exactly who scammers target.

What's included

• Teacher page with a short note on the UK details

• Words to know: 10 key words with pictures (current account, sort code, account number, statement, balance, Direct Debit, standing order, contactless, PIN, scam)

• 3 practice documents: a monthly statement, an upcoming payments screen from a banking app, and a bank safety notice with ways to pay

• 12 Level A questions with pictures and three choices

• The same 12 questions at Level B, with open answers and room to show working

• A real life task: fill in a standing order form for rent, and list the three things you never share

• Answer key that shows where to find every answer

Two levels, same questions

Level A suits learners who need visual support and choices. Level B suits learners ready to write and show working. Because the questions match, the whole group can work from the same documents and go through the answers together.

How I use it

I go through the statement one line at a time and ask the same question each time: did the balance go up or down, and why? By the third line most learners are ahead of me. The scam question always starts a good conversation. The task works well as evidence towards an independent living outcome in an EHCP, or for an Entry Level or Functional Skills portfolio.

Who it is for

KS4, sixth form, FE college and post 16 SEND groups, learners on SEN Support, and supported internship or independent living programmes.

Please note

All banks, names and account numbers are made up. This is teaching material, not financial advice.

What you download: one printable PDF, A4, answer key included. Licence: single teacher or setting.

Written by Jeremy D. Gooch, a teacher with 20+ years in education. Part of the Functional Life Skills UK series from The Transition Cliff.

Keywords: SEND, EHCP, Preparing for Adulthood, KS4, Post 16, bank account, current account, bank statement, Direct Debit, standing order, sort code, scams, money management, life skills, independent living