Pupils have their say at Takeover Challenge 2025 - Camden Rise

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Pupils have their say at Takeover Challenge 2025

Photo of Richard Cobden Primary School pupils with the Mayor of Camden (centre, right) and Tim Aldridge.

Takeover Challenge is a chance for children from local schools to put forward their views on a range of topics of importance to them and have their voices heard by decision-makers.

On 21 November, Camden's annual Takeover Challenge took place at the Crowndale Centre, in Camden, and was attended by pupils from eight primary schools - Torriano, Brecknock, Rhyl, Rosary, Kingsgate, Richard Cobden, Edith Neville and Christ Church, Hampstead.

This year, the areas pupils focused on in their presentations were online safety; special educational needs, disabilities and inclusion; children's rights and mental health. The event was full of fun, creativity and valuable discussions around these topics.

The panel of senior leaders from Camden Council and Camden Learning was Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families; Tim Aldridge, the Council's Executive Director for Children and Learning; the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Eddie Hanson; Rachel Davie, Camden Learning's Director of Learning and Impact; Di Osbourne, the Council's Head of SEND and Inclusion, and Sheila Durr, Head of the Virtual School for Looked After Children.