Pupils get a taste of the world of work at Children's Takeover Day challenge at The Mall, Walthamstow

Pupils at South Grove Primary School in Ringwood Road, Walthamstow recently spent a day helping to run The Mall in Walthamstow Town Square.

The pupils aged from 7 to 10 years took part in the Children’s Takeover Day which was documented by film company Videobop of Chestnut Avenue North, Walthamstow.

Pupils Saad and Ritchie get stuck into the challenge.

The video report will be shown on The Mall’s external screen between October 30 and November 12, giving the youngsters their moment of fame.

Participants were tasked with writing a report about their day’s work and the winning entry will be awarded and published online.

Julie Maltwood, head teacher at South Grove Primary School, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for the children as it gives them first-hand experience of what it is like working in The Mall and an understanding of the types of job roles that are being carried out, in a real-life situation.

“It will also enable the children to experience the decision-making around marketing and budgeting and identify the key objectives behind it.

“The conversations that took place afterwards were amazing and showed the capacity that children have to develop these new experiences and gain a practical clear insight into the world of work.”

Fatima writing her report on her hard day's work.

In return for taking part in the event the school received £150 in Waterstones vouchers and each child was presented with a certificate, a goody bag and a £5 Smiggle voucher.

The Children’s Takeover Day is a national project backed by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner.

Director of Videobop, Cassie Toone, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in filming The Mall Takeover Challenge.

“Our team of ‘reporters’ followed all the action on the day, and are looking forward to getting the kids involved in documenting their classmates' day in charge.”