BARNET Council has appointed a new director of children's services.

Robert McCulloch-Graham has joined Barnet from Thurrock Council, where he was director for children, education and families.

Mr McCulloch-Graham began his career as a maths teacher, before moving into youth and juvenile justice work.

The father-of-four has worked as assistant director for education in East Sussex, director of Education Action Zone in Hastings, and prior to his appointment at Thurrock, worked with the Department of Children Schools and Families across 15 boroughs.

Speaking of his new appointment, Mr McCulloch-Graham said: "I am delighted to be joining Barnet as director of children's service.

"The work of the directorate is well respected by residents, as well as neighbouring boroughs and external agencies.

"There are ongoing challenges and duties that these vital services will continue to face and many new opportunities on the horizon to support their good work for the children and young people of Barnet.

"As a parent of three teenaged children and an adoptive father of a three-year-old, I really appreciate the importance of the work of our schools, children's social services, parents and carers, who all work hard to ensure that our children get the very best opportunities to thrive."