Young people across Wandsworth are preparing to swap classrooms for council offices as they ‘take on’ some of the borough’s top jobs.

As part of a national event called Takeover Day, young people are being given chances to work with adults for the day and develop decision-making skills.

About 30 teenagers from secondary schools, colleges, youth centres and other youth participation projects in the borough will shadow senior officers at both Wandsworth Council and Wandsworth Police on Friday, November 23.

Both organisations are supporting the event, which is organised by the Children’s Commissioner for England.

Maggie Atkinson, Children’s Commissioner for England said: "The day provides a brilliant opportunity for children and young people to make a difference to their communities, put their views across and challenge the stereotypes about them that we hear too often."

The Wandsworth Youth Council wants as many young people as possible to take part.

The Youth Council – comprising of young people with a passion for their community - has in recent years established itself as a key forum for consulting and involving young people in decisions about council services.

It has written to senior officers and councillors asking them to provide interesting opportunities and experiences such as finding out how Wandsworth Council works behind the scenes, co-chairing part of a meeting and helping make decisions that affect young people.

For more information visit www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/takeover_day.