Challenges ahead for new EYFS director
Ruth Pimentel, the national director responsible for the Early Years Foundation Stage, has resigned.
The job of national director for early years at National Strategies carries a £96,000 annual salary and is advertised in this week's Nursery World. Candidates are to be interviewed in early December.
As well as leading on the delivery of the EYFS, whoever takes on the role will also be key to the implementation of the DCSF's Communication, Language and Literacy Development and Every Child A Talker programmes.
One early years expert, who did not wish to be named, told Nursery World that she hoped the new director would have an in-depth knowledge of the early years rather than 'a narrow focus' on Government policy.
Ms Pimentel was involved in developing the Foundation Stage from its launch in 2003 and became deputy director to the first-ever national director of the Foundation Stage, Lesley Staggs, who was appointed in October the same year. She succeeded Lesley Staggs as director on her departure in February 2006.
Children's minister Beverley Hughes said, 'I would like to pay tribute to the excellent work that Ruth has done over the last five years, and thank her for the part she has played in the successful launch of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
'During her time with the National Strategies, Ruth has led on valuable work to ensure that every child gets the opportunity to experience high quality early learning. I know that Ruth will continue to play an active part in the continued development of excellent early years practice, and I wish her well with the next stage of her career.'
