BBC Children’s & Education Launches Amid Reorganization

BBC Children’s is combining with BBC Learning to create BBC Children’s & Education, a new department that will be led by Alice Webb.

Webb, who is the current director of BBC Children’s, will take on the title of director of BBC Children’s and Education. Helen Foulkes, who will report to Webb, will be responsible for managing learning activity on a day-to-day basis. This reorganization follows the news that Director of Education Sinéad Rocks is departing BBC Learning for a new role at Channel 4.

Webb said: “Education is fundamental to the BBC’s mission—it runs through everything we do. Creating BBC Children’s & Education means more firepower for children, young people and teachers all in one place, as well as underpinning lifelong learning for all audiences. It’s a good thing for our audience and partners. I’m really looking forward to taking on this new role and continuing to support the educational DNA of the BBC.”

The announcement of the creation of the BBC Children’s & Education department comes on the heels of the news that Sarah Muller is set to return to the pubcaster’s Children’s department. Muller, who has been serving as Sony Pictures Television Network’s VP of children’s and youth programming, will be the new department’s head of acquisitions and animation for CBBC and CBeebies.

Cheryl Taylor, head of content for BBC Children’s, said: “I’m delighted that Sarah will be returning to the BBC as head of acquisitions and animation. This is a significant appointment for Children’s, and the future of this important department could not be placed in safer or more creative hands. CBBC and CBeebies have long been the home of world-class public service content that explains and entertains in equal measure. In an increasingly competitive landscape, our acquisitions and animations need to work harder than ever. Sarah is a passionate and experienced advocate for animation as well as quality live action from around the globe, and her strategic mindset, encyclopedic knowledge of the industry and impressive commercial acumen are well-renowned.”