Local News

On Friday 21st November, young people from Freebrough Academy are getting the opportunity to see what it is like doing top jobs for a day.

The activities, led by Amy Hollinshead, Pastoral Leader at Freebrough Academy are being organised as part of Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Day 2014, a national event led by the Children’s Commissioner for England which gives children and young people the chance to shadow jobs, get involved in decision-making and offer their opinions on key issues.

20 young people who form Freebrough Academy Council will be taking over different roles for the day, have the opportunity to experience life as a member of staff and are keen to be as involved as possible.  Some will be planning and delivering lessons, attending meetings, supporting younger students in class, shadowing Pastoral Leaders and some young people are even taking over being principal for the day!

Kate, 16, who will be part of Freebrough’s ‘takeover’ event said: “I am looking forwards to working with my teachers to find out how different their job really is from what I expect.”

Linda Halbert, Principal said: “We got involved in the Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Day as we firmly believe that young people are a valuable resource in our Academy and this gives them a direct opportunity to be part of our developments. 

“Young people are great at focusing on solutions.  This day gives staff an opportunity to consider real issues alongside our students and get their support in designing solutions. 

“The students get an opportunity to take part in decision making and gain a better understanding of the bigger picture that needs to be considered when making decisions that affect our school community". 

Once Takeover Day has finished, young people involved will provide feedback and evaluation on what they have experienced in the hope that this will lead to improved relationships between adults and young people, and that it will enable the young people to have a real say on issues that affect them.

Cllr Joan Guy, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “This is a great opportunity for pupils to see the hard work that goes into running a school for a day. Hopefully this experience will give them greater appreciation for the staff that makes sure every pupil is given a high quality education.”

Maggie Atkinson, Children’s Commissioner for England said: “I am very excited about Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Day and I look forward to hearing about what people are doing. I especially want those children who do not normally have their voices heard by adults in charge to be involved.

“The day provides a brilliant opportunity for children and young people to make a difference to their schools and communities, put their views across and challenge the stereotypes about them that we hear too often. Children and young people have so much to offer. They bring ideas, imagination and energy which can really make a difference to organisations.

“I am urging everybody to be brave enough to get children and young people into decision making. More importantly, try to make the day part of an ongoing, not one-day-only, involvement of young citizens in your work.”

This year the Children’s Commissioner for England hopes thousands more children and young people around the country will be part of Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Day.