BBC Children’s is merging with BBC Learning to create a new Manchester-based department called BBC Children’s & Education.
It will be headed by Alice Webb, the current Director of BBC Children’s and director of BBC North, who will become Director, BBC Children’s & Education.
Helen Foulkes will manage learning activity on a day-to-day basis and report into Webb. Director of Education Sinead Rocks is leaving the BBC to take up a new post at Channel 4 as Managing Director of Nations & Regions in Leeds.
Webb said: “Education is fundamental to the BBC’s mission – it runs through everything we do. Creating BBC Children’s & Education means more firepower for children, young people and teachers all in one place as well as underpinning lifelong learning for all audiences.
“It’s a good thing for our audience and partners. I’m really looking forward to taking on this new role and continuing to support the educational DNA of the BBC.”
James Purnell, BBC Director of Radio and Education, emailed staff in Children’s and Learning to say: “I’m incredibly grateful for (Rock’s) leadership of Learning. Thanks to her and all of your efforts, Learning has transformed its strategy, relaunched Bitesize, grown BBC Teach and increased the impact of our campaigns.
“Sinéad leaves Learning in great health, with your mission appreciated across the BBC. BBC Children’s and BBC Learning underpin the BBC’s offer for children and young audiences.
“Both have public service at their heart and are fundamental to the BBC’s relationship with children, teachers and parents. Bringing your departments together will open up new possibilities for collaboration – I know you’ll benefit from each other’s strengths, so we can serve our audience even better.
“The change of leadership and reporting will come into effect immediately. In the coming weeks and months we’ll work through what a new, single Children’s & Education department looks like. We want to involve you and there will be lots of opportunities for you to feed in your thoughts and ideas as we go.
“We’ve got a real opportunity here to make Learning and Children’s even greater than the sum of their parts; I look forward to seeing what you can achieve together.”
