Tom Jeffrey has been appointed as the first director general for children and families at the Department for Education and Skills.

Jeffrey, a civil servant who has worked in the DfES for more than 20 years, will lead the new directorate that was created when responsibilities for children and families were transferred to the department in June.

He will be responsible for advising education secretary Charles Clarke and minister for children Margaret Hodge. He will also play a key role in implementing the proposals put forward in the children's green paper.

During his time at DfES, Jeffrey led work on behaviour and attendance at school, special educational needs, and extended schools. He has also been involved in cross-government projects, including Sure Start. He was also director of children's services at the Department of Health between 1998 and 2000.

The Association of Directors of Social Services welcomed his appointment.