BOLTON'S first woman education chief has been praised for her role in improving services.

According to the report, the education department is well led from the top.

Margaret Blenkinsop joined Bolton LEA in May 1996 and is credited with making several successful changes to the system.

She is a familiar face in schools and headteachers often praise her open management style.

The former headteacher is strongly committed to involving as many headteachers as possible in the decision-making process and her reliance on the partnership approach and fostering good relationships was picked up by inspectors who concluded that she is "highly regarded".

But inspectors note that she is not afraid to take unpopular decisions and say the recent review of primary places is an example of her tough resolve.

They say she acts as a well-known figurehead for the education department when it works together with other agencies.

"She has gained the confidence and trust of schools, demonstrating a willingness to consult, to listen, and to act decisively," said the report.

Now she faces the challenge of holding on to senior members of her team.

Many authorities have been slated by Ofsted and struggling councils often try to poach staff from areas praised by Ofsted.

Mrs Blenkinsop, 50, began her career in Cheshire and rose through the ranks to become a a senior assistant director with Leeds City Council before taking the top job in Bolton. She is married with one daughter and lives locally.