Islington appoints director of children's services

The local authority said that Carmel Littleton, who has been director of children's services in Thurrock since 2013, will take up the post in the new year.

??Her background includes teaching, working as an educational psychologist and as a children’s services adviser.

Littleton said: “I am delighted to be joining Islington and look forward to both the challenge and exciting opportunities that this brings.

"I can’t wait to build on the excellent work that is already under way and ensure every child and young person has the best possible chances in life.”

Islington Council leader Richard Watts said: “The job will have its challenges because Islington is a borough of such great contrasts.

"Islington is one of the most deprived areas in the country with the fourth highest child poverty rate and complex underlying social problems that need to be tackled.

"But we are already making inroads and Carmel will join a committed and enthusiastic team.”

Littleton will replace Eleanor Schooling who was seconded to Ofsted earlier this year as interim director of social care.

Schooling had been due to retire at the end of the year, but earlier this month it was announced that she will remain in place at Ofsted until December 2016 in order to "oversee a crucial period of change and development within Ofsted’s social care remit".