Mr Gove said, 'The Government has committed, in our coalition agreement, to increase accountability and review the cost of quangos and, therefore, I agree with the broad consensus that it is now time to take stock of the office, role and functions of the children's commissioner for England through a detailed and considered review.'
The review is expected to cover three key aspects: the powers, remit and functions of the children's commissioner, the relationship with other related functions supported by government, and value for money.
Mr Dunford is to give an update by mid-October, with the full report out by the end of November.
The current children's commissioner is Maggie Atkinson, who took over the post in March 2010 from England's first-ever children's commissioner, Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green.