Arun’s youth take over for the day.
Local school children join Arun District Council as part of the Takeover Day Challenge 2017. Arun District Council opens its doors each year to groups of children from surrounding schools to introduce them to the work of the Council and individual departments and functions within.
This year is the tenth anniversary of the Takeover Challenge, originally launched in 2007 by the Children’s Commissioner’s Office as a fun, imaginative and exciting activity to encourage organisations across England to open their doors to children and young people to take over adult roles.
The Takeover Challenge puts young people into decision-making positions and encourages organisations and businesses to hear their views. Children gain a valuable insight into the adult world and gain experience of a workplace, while organisations benefit from a fresh perspective on their work.
Chairman of the Council Cllr Mrs Jacky Pendleton attended and spent some time talking to the children, she said, “This is a fantastic programme. It is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of work and for them to explore different professions.
“Giving young people a focus is vital to their future success and as a result, that of the District. Being able to talk to them about how Arun District Council works and about democracy is a privilege and paved the way for them to then explore the diverse teams that work within the council and meet the officers that deliver our services.”
Children from River Beach Primary School, White Meadows Primary Academy, Lyminster Primary School, Summerlea Community Primary School, St Mary's C of E Primary School, St Philip's Catholic Primary School, St Catherine's Catholic Primary School and Rustington Community Primary School attended the day along with their supporting staff.