A new head of children’s services has been appointed by Bradford Council, taking on the “hugely important role” from next year.

Michael Jameson, who is executive director at Oldham Council, takes over from Kath Tunstall as the strategic director of children’s services when she leaves the job after seven years.

During her time with the Council Mrs Tunstall has helped transfer education services back to the authority, assisted the development of special school provision and increased working with key agencies in the district.

The position, which is a statutory requirement, is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction and effectiveness of the Council’s children’s services.

Mr Jameson joined Oldham as the director of children’s services in 2009. Since then Oldham children’s services moved from ‘adequate’ to ‘excellent’ and the authority made progress across children’s and adults services.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Oldham. I’ve learned a lot and am extremely proud of what we have all achieved together.

“Bradford presents a fantastic opportunity as a city and bigger authority, and I am looking forward to contributing to the delivery of the Council’s ambitions and working with a dynamic chief executive.

“Both Kath and I will be working very closely together to ensure that there is a smooth handover so that children, young people and their families will continue to receive good services.”

The Council’s chief executive Tony Reeves said the Council was delighted to have Michael on board.

“We have one of the youngest populations in the country so this role is a hugely important one for the district,” Mr Reeves said.

“Michael brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, and his leadership will play a key role in contributing to the delivery of two of the Council’s main objectives: improving educational attainment; and promoting our economy by supporting the development of young people’s skills.”

Councillor Ralph Berry, the executive member for children’s services, added: “Michael joins us at a very exciting time.

“We have built some very strong partnership arrangements across the district, which have been recognised in recent independent inspections, and we have a collective ambition to build on the improvements we’re making.

“Delivering continued improvement in education attainment and ensuring that we protect our most vulnerable children and young people continue to be important priorities for the district.”