New children's director appointed

Paul Burnett moves to Northants County Council from Greenwich

A new director for children and young people has been appointed by Northamptonshire County Council.

The current director for children's services in Greenwich Paul Burnett has been appointed to the role and is due to start in mid-October.

The 48-year-old, who began his teaching career in Northamptonshire, will take up the role following the departure of Andrew Sortwell earlier in the year.

Cabinet member for children Joan Kirkbride welcomed the appointment.

"We were impressed with the calibre of candidates who applied for this post and I am delighted to be able to announce Paul's appointment," she said.

'Maximise life chances'

"I have every confidence that he has the right attributes, skills and vision to take forward this county's children and young people service and continue with the improvements we are clearly making."

Mr Burnett began his teaching career in Campion School, Bugbrooke.

He moved to East Sussex County Council in 1994 where he was manager of pupil services before becoming head of operations in 1995.

He moved Brighton and Hove City Council to be acting director of education in 1999 before moving to Greenwich in 2003, where he was first director for education and then director for children's services.

He said: "I am delighted to have been appointed director for children and young people in Northamptonshire and to be returning to the county in which I began my career.

"I am looking forward to working with colleagues within the council and with schools, governors, parents/carers and partners to maximise life chances for all children and young people in Northamptonshire."