The job of national director for early years at National Strategiescarries a 96,000 annual salary and is advertised in this week'sNursery World. Candidates are to be interviewed in early December.
As well as leading on the delivery of the EYFS, whoever takes on therole will also be key to the implementation of the DCSF's Communication,Language and Literacy Development and Every Child A Talkerprogrammes.
One early years expert, who did not wish to be named, told Nursery Worldthat she hoped the new director would have an in-depth knowledge of theearly years rather than 'a narrow focus' on Government policy.
Ms Pimentel was involved in developing the Foundation Stage from itslaunch in 2003 and became deputy director to the first-ever nationaldirector of the Foundation Stage, Lesley Staggs, who was appointed inOctober the same year. She succeeded Lesley Staggs as director on herdeparture in February 2006.
Children's minister Beverley Hughes said, 'I would like to pay tributeto the excellent work that Ruth has done over the last five years, andthank her for the part she has played in the successful launch of theEarly Years Foundation Stage.
'During her time with the National Strategies, Ruth has led on valuablework to ensure that every child gets the opportunity to experience highquality early learning. I know that Ruth will continue to play an activepart in the continued development of excellent early years practice, andI wish her well with the next stage of her career.'