Who we are

Cheryl has been with the service for 8 years, and took over the head of service role from Nicola McGuinness in 2019. Cheryl is also the main contact for the Local Authorities Dispute Resolution Service (DRS), and for statutory assessment (EHC) support.  Cheryl had previously worked in the social care sector within families division and then went on to study social sciences at university, but always had a specific interest in special educational law. Cheryl has legal training to IPSEA level 3, and additionally,  is qualified to teach adult learners, hosting our parent/ professionals training. Cheryl is mother to a teenage son who has an EHC Plan.  

As well as working for IAS, Nan is also the current chair of the local parent carer forum, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience about the difficulties that parent carers face. Mum to a young person with SEND and an EHC plan, Nan is legally trained to IPSEA advanced level 3  and works with the team part time so that she can continue with her forum duties too. Nan will continue to co-host training for parents and carers with Cheryl.

IAS Officer and AMITY mentor for young people

Mike has been with the service for many years and has a great deal of expertise in working with families and young people with both SEND and emotional health needs. Mike has IPSEA advanced  level 3 legal training. He is also a qualified counsellor and works in schools around Bolton offering 1:1 support to young people. Mike also mentors young people. He is also a father to an adult son with a disability.