A NEW director of education has been appointed at City of York Council.

Jon Stonehouse has been named as director of children’s services, education and skills, and takes over the post from interim director Sally Rees this Spring.

Mr Stonehouse joins the authority from Salford City Council where he was deputy director of children’s services, and follows the departure of the past incumbant, Pete Dwyer last year to North Yorkshire and his deputy, Kevin Hall, to East Yorkshire.

With more than 20 years experience of working with children and young people, Mr Stonehouse successfully led the development and delivery of Salford’s Safeguarding Action Plan in response to a 2010 Inspection and government improvement notice.

Mr Stonehouse will join the senior management team at York council with responsibility for a range of services including school support, social care, inclusion and troubled families.

Coun Janet Looker, cabinet member for education, said: “The committee were unanimous on Jon’s appointment and I think this speaks volumes for the experience and focus he has, particularly in his drive for continuous improvement and his commitment to addressing poverty and the issues arising from this for children everywhere.”

Kersten England, chief executive of York council, said: “York has a strong reputation for education and children’s services, performing well on both safeguarding and on educational attainment, but we can always achieve more and I look forward to working with Jon as part of our York team to do just that.”