Harvey Marshall

Associate Director

As Associate Director, Harvey takes overall responsibility for the Holiday Club, providing strategic leadership, ensuring compliance, and overseeing quality across all aspects.

Harvey has been with Smiles since its very beginning, bringing over 6 years of experience in the out-of-school sector, both at Smiles and a local holiday camp. He has also supported a local pre-school setting in improving its Ofsted rating from 'Inadequate' to 'Good' in just six months.

Harvey founded and managed the holiday club, playing a key role in its creation and growth. His commitment to providing a fun, safe, and enriching environment for children during school holidays has been vital to the club’s success. Harvey is now Associate Director, where he holds overall responsibility for the holiday clubs and continues to support the wider business operations from behind the scenes.

After leaving the wraparound team to attend Nottingham Trent University and complete his BSc (Hons) in Paramedic Science in September 2022, Harvey is now starting his career as a Graduate Paramedic. Despite this exciting new career path, Harvey remains deeply involved with the family business, providing strategic oversight of the holiday clubs during school holidays to ensure their continued success and smooth operation.

Harvey has completed his Level 4 Award in Nursery Management, holds a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare, and has completed various other training, including Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding for Designated Leads, Children’s Playwork, Mental Health and Wellbeing, EYFS, Behaviour Management, and SEN Coordination.

Lucy Hardy

Head of Holiday Club

As the Head of Club, Lucy is responsible for the day-to-day running of the club, leading the team on the ground and ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.

Lucy has been working with children and young people for over 7 years in various roles, including as the Choreographer at Barrow Arts Theatre Society, babysitting, nannying, and teaching dance to children aged 2 to 16. Her passion for performing arts, which she has been trained in since the age of 2, inspires her to one day run her own business teaching performing arts to children.

She joined Smiles and worked in the wraparound childcare provision before progressing to Playleader, Deputy Holiday Club Manager and now Head of Holiday Club.

Lucy is currently studying BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at Italia Conti in London, having moved away for her studies in September 2024. However, she continues to be an active member of the senior leadership team, planning, organising, and leading the holiday clubs during school holidays.

Lucy has completed her Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and a variety of training, including Safeguarding for Designated Leads, Prevent, Health and Safety for Managers, Fire Safety for Managers, Positive Behaviour in Early Years, Paediatric First Aid, Early Years Education Framework, and Becoming a Manager. She was also the proud winner of the national Out of School Club Worker Award 2024.

With her strong passion for performing arts, Lucy brings creativity, confidence, and energy to every session, making sure the children have a memorable and enriching experience.

Grace Biggs

Playleader

As Playleader, Grace leads imaginative, hands-on activities tailored to the children’s interests, creating a fun and inclusive environment where every child is engaged.

Grace joined Smiles in 2022 and has worked across both the wraparound care and holiday club settings. During her time with the wraparound team, she held the role of Senior Leader for Children’s Wellbeing. She holds a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare, with a focus on Early Years Provision, Keeping Children Healthy & Safe, Play, Imagination & Creativity, and supporting Children with Special Needs. She has also completed a wide range of additional training, including Level 1 and 2 Safeguarding, Prevent, Paediatric First Aid, Positive Behaviour in Early Years, Mental Health Awareness, and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging.

Grace has recently left the wraparound team to begin studying Psychology with Marketing at Sheffield Hallam University, with the goal of pursuing a career in child psychology. She continues to be part of the Smiles team during school holidays, bringing her experience, energy, and passion for children’s wellbeing to the holiday club.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is proud to be part of the Smiles team and values the opportunity to contribute to a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for all children in her care.

Alice Hall

Senior Leader

As Senior Leader, Alice supports the holiday club leadership team, helping to ensure high standards and a consistently positive experience for children.

Alice lives in Sileby with her partner Max and their dog, Dougie. Outside of work, she enjoys going for long walks in the countryside, caring for her horse Rosalyn, catching up with friends, and spending quality time with her little family.

Alice has worked in the childcare sector since leaving school and brings a wealth of experience from a variety of settings, including nurseries, a local primary school, and private nannying. Her hands-on experience across different age groups and roles has given her a deep understanding of children's needs and development. After taking a short break from the sector, Alice is thrilled to return and proud to join the Smiles team as Senior Leader.

She holds an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) and has continued to build her knowledge through a range of professional development courses. These include Understanding Autism, Paediatric First Aid, EYFS, Mental Health and Young People, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and Safeguarding Children for Designated Safeguarding Leads.

Alice is passionate about being part of the Smiles family and looks forward to helping children grow and flourish.

Ava Jones

Playworker

As Playworker, Ava supervises play and helps create a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to get involved with a range of activities.

Ava lives in Mountsorrel with her family and their pet dog, Narla. After completing her studies in Biology, Chemistry, and Film Studies at Rawlins Post-16, Ava is currently traveling and exploring the world. During her travels, she is volunteering with various organisations across the globe, gaining valuable experiences while giving back to different communities.

Despite her travels, Ava continues to work at Smiles during the school holidays. Before embarking on her travels, Ava worked at Smiles for two years as a Playworker in both the wraparound setting and during the school holidays. Ava also previously volunteered at a local after-school club, where she enjoyed taking care of the children and helping to create new, fun activities for them.

Ava has completed her Level 3 Diploma in Childcare, along with Level 1 Child Safeguarding, Prevent Duty, and First Aid Awareness training.

In her spare time, Ava enjoys going out with her friends and playing football with her team, where she has won many awards during her time playing. In the future, Ava plans to attend university in America, where she hopes to specialise in Paediatric Dentistry.

Lauren Cherry

Sports Coach

As Sports Coach, Lauren leads sports-related activities, promoting physical activity and teamwork while ensuring children are active, safe, and enjoying their time at the holiday club.

Lauren has been passionate about sports her entire life, having played cricket, tennis, and basketball, as well as competing in national athletics competitions. In 2022, Lauren was selected for England Athletics' Youth Talent Program, a two-year course where she obtained a Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence. This program, which combined practical training and workbook work, covered topics such as health & safety, developing training plans, and sporting values. Lauren's success as a pole vault athlete, where she was ranked 14th in the country for U20 women, led to her selection for this prestigious program.

Lauren has previous experience running a 6-week cricket program, where she was responsible for planning sessions, collaborating with qualified coaches, and overseeing up to 25 children at a time.

Currently studying Geography & Planning at the University of Sheffield, Lauren is actively involved in a variety of sports teams. She is excited to create an inclusive environment where children can enjoy and engage in a wide range of sports, helping them develop both physically and socially.

Lilly Evans

Playworker

As Playworker, Lilly supervises play and supports children to join in with engaging, creative activities, helping to ensure everyone feels included and at ease.

Lilly lives in Quorn with her family and their dog, Bobby. After completing her studies in Art, English Literature and Geography at Rawlins Post-16, Lilly is now taking a break to travel and explore before she plans to attend university next year and pursue a career in the fashion industry.

Lilly has worked at Smiles for two years, where she has enjoyed her role as a Playworker in both the wraparound childcare provision and holiday club. Despite taking a break from studies, Lilly continues to work at the holiday club during school holidays, enjoying her time with the children and the team.

Lilly holds a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and is trained in Safeguarding and Prevent. She also holds the STA Level 2 Safety Award for Teachers and has worked as an Assistant Swimming Teacher. Lilly also has experience as a Farmhand and Children’s Party Host at Stonehurst Farm, and an Activity Leader at Tay Play Holiday Camps.

In her spare time, Lilly enjoys swimming and looking after her baby sister, Ada. She is excited to be part of the Smiles team and looks forward to the future!