Former education secretary Estelle Morris quits CWDC

Baroness Morris of Yardley, who was education secretary between 2001-2, has stepped down as chair of the Children’s Workforce Development Council for a post at York University’s Institute of Effective Education.

Estelle Morris, who is also president of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB), was appointed as CWDC’s first chair in May 2005.

Baroness Morris leaves the CWDC to become chair of the strategy board at the new Institute of Effective Education.

During her time at the children’s workforce agency, Morris argued strongly for increased investment in early years staff .

She also took a leading role in the rebellion by Labour MPs against the government’s drive to increase school autonomy in its 2005 education white paper.

She said: “I have seen CWDC grow from a team of just two little under two years ago to the vibrant, innovative organisation it is today.”