This History teacher video introduces strategies for using the census as a valuable historical source to support enquiry-based learning. It explains how census data can help children explore local histories by investigating occupations, family structures, and social change. Teachers are shown how to support pupils in reading and interpreting census entries, even when handwriting or terminology is challenging. The video also encourages comparing census information with other historical sources such as maps, school logbooks, and personal diaries to reconstruct the lives of individuals and communities.

The video highlights the importance of evaluating the reliability of the census and considering its limitations. It explores how data may be inaccurate due to human error, deliberate misinformation, or gaps in record-keeping. Teachers are encouraged to guide children in discussing the usefulness of the census and designing their own data-gathering activities to mirror historical enquiries. Lesson six invites pupils to conduct local investigations using real census data, providing an exciting opportunity to bring history to life.