Rachel Marshall

Owner and Managing Director

Hi, I'm Rachel and I live at home with my husband and have two (not so little anymore!) boys, one at university and one working in operations management. We enjoy going out for meals and on family holidays together to either of my favourite destinations, Menorca or Filey! I have just over 16 years experience working with children in various roles including as a pre-school manager and most recently, before Smiles, as a learning support assistant at St Bartholomew’s Primary School. In this time, I have gained my Level 3 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development, as well as completed numerous training courses including Safeguarding for Designated Leads, Behaviour Management, Speech and Language, Paediatric First Aid, Leadership and Management, Physical Intervention for Early Years, Mental Health and Young People, Autism Awareness, Forest School, E-Safety, Data Protection and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging. I am passionate about providing safe and enjoyable before and after school care at Smiles. I look forward to giving all the children of our very own 'Smiles Family' a fun and safe environment to come and enjoy!

Harvey Marshall

Senior Leader

Hi, I'm Harvey! I have been at Smiles since we first opened, with over 5 years experience working with children in various roles both at the club, a local holiday camp and supporting a pre-school. Before stepping back from my term-time role to study BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science at University, I was Playleader responsible for health, safety and wellbeing. Since then I continued to help from behind the scenes as well as covering for other staff when I can. Now I am really enjoying my new role as Holiday Club Manager and, following our launch in the summer, I am looking forward to overseeing the continued success of our holiday clubs! I am grateful to have the chance to be back working in such an fantastic setting with an amazing team, enjoying the fun and making lots of memories with the children during the school holidays. I have recently completed my Level 4 Award in Nursery Management and also hold a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare on top of completing various training including Pediatric First Aid, Spotting the Sick Child, Safeguarding for Designated Leads, Children's Playwork, Mental Health and Wellbeing, EYFS, Behaviour Management, and SEN Coordination.

Grace Biggs

Playleader (Pastoral)

Hi, I'm Grace and I live in Quorn with my family. I am currently attending Rawlins Academy, where I am in sixth form and studying Psychology, History and Economics. In addition to this, I have completed training including Level 1 and 2 Safeguarding, Prevent, Paediatric First Aid, Positive Behaviour in Early Years, Mental Health Awarness, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Young People and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging. I've also finished my Level 3 Diploma in Childcare covering themes including: Early Years Provision; Keeping Children Healthy & Safe; Play, Imagination & Creativity; and, Children with Special Needs. At Before and After School Club I enjoy my role as Playleader (Pastoral) alongside planning the creative activities for Holiday Club as Activity Lead (Creative). In the future, I hope to attend university before going on to hopefully become a primary school teacher. In my spare time, I enjoy going out with my friends and spending time with my family. I really enjoy working with children and I am loving my experience at Smiles and being part of this amazing team!

Lucy Hardy

Playleader (Operations)

Hi, my name is Lucy and I live at home with my mum, dad, younger brother and dog Lexi. I love to perform and have been trained in singing, dancing and acting since the age of 2. I am the Choreographer at Barrow Arts Theatre Society where I have been teaching dance to children from the ages of 2 to 16 since 2018, and also have experience babysitting and nannying. In this time I have completed my Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and I have attended various training including Safeguarding, Prevent, Health and Safety for Managers, Fire Safety for Managers, Positive Behaviour in Early Years, Paediatric First Aid and Becoming a Manager. One of my responsibilities includes coordinating children's activities, I enjoy being able to organise engaging and exciting opportunities for the children. In my new role as Playleader (Operations), I am also looking after Health and Safety at the setting. In the future I hope to have my own business teaching performing arts to children, so I love being a part of the team at Smiles in an environment where I can continue to expand my experience working with young people.

Maddie Gray

Playworker

Hi, I’m Maddie, I live at home in Mountsorrel with my parents, elder sister Lydia and our pet cat, Rufus. I am currently at Rawlins Post 16 studying Dance, Drama and Psychology A Levels. In my spare time, my absolute passion is dance. I’ve been attending Charnwood School of Dance since the age of 2 and along with attending competitions and festivals across the UK, I study many dance disciplines. I’m the 2019 and 2022 Leicestershire Ballet Champion and also in 2022, I was very proud to have made the grand finals of the prestigious Miss Dance of Great Britain. I’m also a teaching assistant in the baby ballet classes. Working with children I have completed my Level 3 Diploma in Childcare as well as training in Level 1 Safeguarding Qualification, Prevent, First Aid Awareness and Data Protection in Marketing. I enjoy working with children and their many personalities, and as the Online Marketing Lead at Smiles I love being able to share the fun and excitement we have with parents and wider community through our social media!

Ava Jones

Play Assistant

Hi, I’m Ava and I live in Mountsorrel with my family and our pet dog, Narla. I am currently at Rawlins Post- 16 studying Biology, Chemistry and Film studies. In my spare time I enjoy going out with my friends and playing football with my team, where I have won many awards with them during the time I’ve played. I have previously volunteered at a local After School club and enjoyed taking care of the children and helping to create new, fun activities for them. I have recently completed Level 1 Child Safeguarding, Prevent Duty and First Aid Awareness training. In the future I hope to attend university in America and specialise in Paediatric Dentistry. I’m excited to be a part of the Smiles team!

Lilly Evans

Play Assistant

Hi , I’m Lilly and I live in Quorn with my family and our dog Bobby. I am currently at Rawlins Post-16 studying Art, English Literature and Geography. In my spare time I enjoy swimming and looking after my baby sister Ada. My swimming has enabled me to work as an Assistant Swimming Teacher. Whilst in this role I have completed my STA Level 2 Safety Award for Teachers. I am also Safeguarding and Prevent trained. I have also worked as a Farmhand and Children’s Party Host at Stonehurst Farm. During the school holidays, I work as an Activity Leader at Tay play Holiday Camps. In the future, I hope to attend university and go into the fashion industry. I am enjoying being a part of the Smiles team!