16 - Young people prepare to take over

Archived news release from 2007

 

Gemma Roadley aged 17, of Old Swinford Hospital School in Stourbridge, will sit in for John Freeman, Dudley Council’s director of children’s services, as part of national Take Over Day, which is organised by the 11 Million project.

 

The year 13 student will accompany Mr Freeman to London to fill his role as chair of the national association of directors for children’s services.  Issues set to be discussed at the meeting include the national Children's Plan and the legislation announced in the Queen's Speech for raising the school leaving age and for improving outcomes for children in care.

 

 

“I did a work experience with the council in July and I was really pleased when I was asked to take part in Take Over Day. I’m really looking forward to it and it will be great to be given the opportunity to represent young people’s views.”

 

Dudley has taken a leading role with Take Over Day, which is on Friday November 23, and hopes to give children and young people the chance to take the lead. 

 

Elsewhere in Dudley, children will be taking over in the sports and arts in borough schools. Dudley Performing Arts will be offering the opportunity for a pupil to chair a team leader’s meeting at The Music Centre in Wordsley and the chance for a young person to shadow a member of staff at work.

 

The council’s sport and recreation team will hold a disability adaptive club on the day at the Crystal Leisure Centre from 3pm. The club offers a variety of sports for all children and helps build their self esteem.

 

Meanwhile the Dudley Education Business Partnership has arranged for young people to take over high power roles in the community. A pupil from The Kingswinford School will be shadowing Emma Hindes, centre manager of Westfield Merry Hill Shopping Centre while a King Edwards VI College student will work with Stourbridge MP, Lynda Waltho.

 

 

 

“I’m sure all the children across the borough who take part in Take Over Day will have a very enjoyable day while also learning new skills. I’m pleased to see that we have taken such a lead on this project in Dudley.”

 

The 11 Million project is headed up by the children’s commissioner for England, Sir Al Aynsley-Green. The office is named after the number of young people living in England.