An award-winning special educational needs (Sen) expert has been appointed the new director of children’s services at Croydon Council.

Paul Greenhalgh will be taking on the largest school-age population in the country when he steps into his new role next March, after five years as corporate director of children’s services in Southend-on-sea.

The former teacher will replace Dave Hill, who has moved to a similar position at Essex County Council after two years in the job.

He said: “I’m excited by the opportunities in Croydon and sense the huge commitment to children’s services.

“I look forward to working with all concerned to achieve further improvements for children and young people in the borough.”

Mr Greenhalgh, of Lingfield, Surrey, began his career as a teacher after volunteering at a school in Malawi. He became passionate about improving the lives of children with special emotional and behavioural needs while working in Islington and Hackney.

He then moved to advisory and management roles in Hackney and Merton, before joining Southend as assistant director of inclusion and Sen in 2002.

His passion for helping Sen pupils led him to win the Times Educational Supplement and National Association of Special Educational Needs awards, for his book Emotional Growth and Learning.

Outside work he enjoys art, photography and travel.

Councillor Tim Pollard, Croydon Council cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “We are delighted to have been able to persuade such a high-performing director to join Croydon Council.

“We were seeking a natural leader with a proven track record, and in appointing Paul Greenhalgh I believe we are strengthening an area of great importance to the borough, while bringing a wealth of experience to our corporate management team.”