THE director of Worcestershire's children's services is stepping down for a new job in Coventry, it has emerged.

Gail Quinton is quitting Worcestershire County Council this September after six years at the helm of the under-pressure department.

Mrs Quinton, who is on £139,000-a-year, has landed an executive director's role at Coventry City Council where she will be responsible for adults and children's social care.

It follows an up-and-down few years at County Hall, with its child protection services rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2010 before coming out of it three years ago.

Since 2009 the number of children in care has rocketed 30 per cent, standing at nearly 700, which costs just under £30 million a year.

Mrs Quinton's new role is a promotion for her, with bosses at the county council saying despite the pressures she has grown the service considerably.

In her time the children's social care department has been re-designed, with projects launching such as the Stronger Families programme, aimed at helping those on the edges of intervention turn their lives around.

Two years ago it upped pay for children's social care workers to compete with neighbouring councils in the Black Country and Birmingham, including £4,000 top-ups for some roles.

Her responsibilities also includes schools, which are the highest performing in the West Midlands, with 89 per cent rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

Chief Executive Clare Marchant said: "Gail has been a fantastic asset to the council since she joined us six years ago.

"Her skill, professionalism and, importantly, passion for the services she leads has always been evident and the successes achieved during her time in Worcestershire bear this out.

"I'd like to thank her for her important contribution since arriving in 2009 and wish her all the very best in her new role at Coventry."

Mrs Quinton said: "It has a been a real privilege to work on behalf of children and their families with so many excellent colleagues across children's services and wider Worcestershire.

"I want to say a big thank you to everyone who helps to make a real difference to children's lives each and every day."

An interim director will be appointed this autumn before a permanent boss can be hired.