Council's education head resigns

Denbighshire Council said its education services were making good progress

The resignation of a senior education services official in a county severely criticised by inspectors will not affect its action plan, a council says.

Huw Griffiths, corporate director of lifelong learning, left his job following a period of sick leave from Denbighshire council.

The council plans to advertise for a replacement in March 2009.

It submitted an action plan to the assembly government in 2007 after its education services were criticised.

In a statement, Denbighshire council said: "Mr Griffiths joined the council in June 2005 and had started a period of sick leave in October 2007.

"The council is pleased that his health has recovered recently. It has confirmed that Mr Griffiths has decided that he does not wish to return to his role with the council, and the council has accepted this."

'Progress'

The authority said Mohammed Mehmet would continue to act as the interim corporate director following his appointment to the role in November 2007.

A spokesman said the council was confident Mr Griffiths's departure would not affect their education services action plan.

The authority said it had been told by schools inspector Estyn that it was making good progress.

Estyn inspectors are due to make a monitoring visit this week, with another visit planned for December.

A re-inspection will then take place in March 2009.

The council was criticised in damning Estyn reports in 2007 which ultimately led to Rhiannon Hughes being ousted as leader following a vote of no confidence.

The body's 35-page report said children's educational performance was below average at the ages of seven, 11 and at 16 when they take their GCSEs.

It highlighted poor communication and "ineffective" political leadership at the council.