SARAH McGuinness has been appointed as Monmouthshire County Council's Chief Officer for Children and Young People. She will take up her post in the spring.

Sarah grew up in the Rhymney Valley. After graduating from Cardiff and Leicester Universities she took her first teaching position in Blaenau Gwent.

Her career led her to London where she has undertaken a number of leadership roles. Her most recent Headship involved overseeing two schools in an area of significant social, cultural and economic challenge serving more than 1,400 pupils at full capacity.

Her track record is in school improvement and she has taken on the challenge of supporting a school out of special measures to become 'outstanding', as well as ensuring sustained standards and results. Sarah's work has resulted in educational provision that consistently exceeds the national average in terms of educational outcomes and she leaves an environment that has become one of the top performing in England.

The council says Education is one of its three corporate priorities. "In addition, we are embarking upon the ambitious £80 million programme to bring the county's four high schools up to 21st Century standards," says a spokesman.

"Because of this, we are making highly robust interim arrangements for the management of this vital service."

Council chief executive, Paul Matthews, will in the interim period undertake the statutory responsibilities that go with the role. He will be assisted by a small experienced interim team.

Sarah, a fluent Welsh speaker, will take up her post in May and during the transition period will be in regular contact with the chief executive and an interim team that is already in place.

She said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chief Officer for Children and Young People at Monmouthshire County Council. This is a wonderful opportunity to lead education in a Council and Authority with a reputation for its outward-looking plans for improvement across all sectors of the community and its commitment to widespread public benefit."