Meet The Team
Kelly,
Owner
Following a nursing background for many years I took a career change into childcare and have been working in a variety of different childcare fields for 23 years. On completing my Early Years level 3 qualification I set up my own business childminding, during this time I identified a gap in the provision for older children and so in 2006 my first wrap-around school club was born at Manorfield Primary School.
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I went on to study child psychology at Warwick university and opened three more wrap-around school clubs at Gilmorton, Holliers walk (now Hinckley Parks) and St Margarets.
In 2016 I fulfilled my longterm dream of opening my own day nursery at Sapcote, followed quickly with our Pre-School at our Hinckley Parks site. I am immensely proud of Smiles, it has really been part of the family.
Simon and I have four children all of which have grown with Smiles either by attending one of the settings or working in them and gaining their own childcare qualifications.
My real passion within Smiles is the children themselves of which I am lucky enough to still be part of the fun they have in my settings when I visit the sites.
Outside Smiles I love family time, family dinners, games night and traveling. I enjoy the outdoors and do my best to keep fit with the gym, running and my new love of paddleboarding.
Simon,
Finance Director
I specialise in all financial aspects of Smiles. Formally from a corporate finance background working for Alliance & Leicester for many years as retail savings manager and support service manager prior to working as help desk manager at PCMS group looking after the hardware and software support for clients such as PC world, Curry's, The Link and the Midlands Co-operative group.
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I join Smiles in 2014 looking after the financial side of the business working with parents manage their bookings, provide invoices and work with Managers and Smiles admin on budgets to ensure Smiles continues to be a viable and successful business.
I'm an avid football fan especially for the mighty Liverpool FC and will mostly when not stuck in front of my PC will be either found playing 18 holes or lifting weights in the gym.
Management Team:
Rachel,
General Manager
I joined the team at Smiles Sapcote in September 2021 as nursery manager, then taking the role of general manager to oversee both Sapcote and our Hinckley Parks site.
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I have worked in Early Years for over 17 years and gained a great deal of knowledge and experience along the way.
Starting my career as an apprentice completing my level 2 and 3 qualifications, I then progressed and completed my BA Honours Degree in Early Years whilst working as a practitioner. Over the years I have developed in my role, working my way up into management.
I am Designated Person for Safeguarding and have completed many other qualifications such as Paediatric First Aid, leadership, business management and Forest school training.
I am a mum of two and in my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my children, family and horses. I also enjoy camping holidays.
Melissa,
Deputy Manager and SENCo
I have been with Smiles for 3 years now, but I have only just returned after being on maternity leave and having my little girl.I have a level 3 qualification in children's care, learning & development and I am also deputy manager & SENCO.
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I have 11 years of experience working in childcare altogether, so I have been doing it for quite a while now.
You will see me around the nursery on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday as I am just working 3 days a week due to spending time with my daughter the other two days a week.
I love working in childcare as I find it so rewarding and I love to help & watch all your little ones develop & grow. I am not based in a room as I support Rachel the manager where she needs it. Some days I will be in the office and other days you may see me helping in rooms.
Outside of nursery, I live at home with my husband, daughter & our dog Roxie. I am absolutely loving being a mum. On my days off I take her to baby groups, or we go out for the day somewhere fun. I also love to meet up with friends for a cup of tea and a catch up as well as going on holiday with my family to relax.
Explorers & Discoverers Room:
Laura,
Room Leader
I have a level three qualification in childcare.I began volunteering at Smiles whilst completing my qualification at college.
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I then began working at Smiles full-time once my course was completed.I really enjoy messy play with the children and I also love getting them outdoors!
Vicki,
Nursery Practitioner
I have my level 3 childcare qualification. I have been working with young children for 3 years
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My favourite part of the job is helping the children to learn and develop and making them feel part of the Smiles family!
Zoe,
Nursery Assistant
I joined Smiles in 2023 and currently assist the practitioners in the Explorers and Discoverers room. I have worked as a childminding assistant looking after children aged 3-8 years of age.
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I am looking forward to starting my level 3 qualification in early years, I enjoy seeing the children develop and achieve their milestones.
When I'm not looking after children I love being around animals and also hold a level 3 in animal care. I love spending time with my family and meeting up with my friends.
Katie,
Nursery Assistant
I hold a level 2 qualification in childcare and I have previously worked in a primary school and an after-school club as a playworker for the last 6 years.
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My favourite thing to do with the children is messy play, I love watching them getting creative. Working with children is definitely a rewarding job and I love every second of it!
Alex,
Nursery Apprentice
I am currently working towards my level 2 in childcare and will be continuing onto my level 3 soon.
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I love watching and helping children develop into their personalities. I am very caring and gentle due to myself also being a carer outside of working for Smiles. I am a very social person who loves having lots of fun and making people laugh and smile around me.
Adventurers Room:
Chloe,
Room Leader
I am the room leader in the Adventurers room and first began my journey at Smiles in 2016 as a placement student gaining experience and knowledge in childcare. Since then, I have achieved my level 3 qualification in childcare
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My drive for working with children began from my early primary school days and I have always been passionate about being a part of helping children to flourish, learn and grow!
Lacey,
Nursery Practitioner
I have been working with children since 2016 and I have a level 3 qualification in Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
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My favourite part about working with children is knowing that I can help them learn and develop, giving them the strongest start to their future.
Jan,
Nursery Assistant
I am currently working in the Adventurers room with the toddler children. I have worked for Smiles for 5 years now as I started in the kitchen alongside the cook, I also enjoyed working in the before and after school club looking after the older children before securing a full-time position with the little one in the nursery which I love.
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I love to see the children grow and develop everyday seeing them happy and seeing their learning skills going forward.
Outside of Smiles I love spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren as well as being a Reiki healer and using my crystals which I mainly do at the weekends.
Inventors Room:
Caroline,
Preschool Manager
I have been at Smiles for over 5 years now, where i have been supporting the children to grow and develop. I have recently take on the role of Preschool Manager and hold a level 3 qualification.
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I have a keen interest in children's communication using signing. I am a mum to a little girl who i enjoy going out and exploring with. I love bringing my ideas to life both at home and at Smiles and i thrive on seeing the children's minds at work.
Charlotte,
Nursery Practitioner
I have been working in childcare for around 3 years since leaving school.
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I hold a level 2 qualification in Childcare Learning and development.I enjoy working with children and helping them to develop through play and accessing all areas of provision.
Katherine,
Nursery Practitioner
I have worked in childcare for over 20 years and hold a level 2 qualification in early years.
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I enjoy doing crafts and games with the children and supporting them with their needs. I also enjoy making up stories with the children, encouraging them to use their imaginations.
Rhi,
Nursery Practitioner
I have worked with children for a number of years now starting off in a primary school where I worked for almost 8 years teaching PE and worked alongside the reception children following the EYFS.
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I have a level 5 qualification in primary education. I have worked at holiday clubs, planning and leading activities for children aged 4-14 years of age.
I recently got married and have a 1 year old daughter who also attends Smiles.
I love working with children and preparing them for primary school and helping set them up for their futures.
Julie,
Nursery Assistant
I have worked at Smiles for around 4 years now. Before Smiles, I worked in a care home for 13 years. I have experience with every age group in the nursery, as I used to cover all of the rooms.
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I have grandchildren as well, which keep me very busy!
I love to read to the children and be outdoors with them too.
I really enjoy being with the children and watching them progress as they grow.
Support Staff:
Vina,
Nursery Practitioner
I have got my level 3 in childcare. I have been with Smiles for a couple of years now. I used to work with older children but also have experience of all ages in the nursery.
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I am trained in First Aid and safeguarding.
I love working with children, the best part is when we get messy with fun messy plays and when we splash around in muddy puddles outside.
Moya,
Housekeeper
I joined Smiles in 2022 after working in a primary school for 12 years.
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I enjoy working with children and have my level 4 qualification however I decided it was time for a change so I started as the Housekeeper here at Smiles. I have the best of both worlds now as I still meet the children throughout my day and enjoy their company.
I am married with two grown up children.
Hinckley Parks Pre-School Staff:
Nic,
Preschool Manager
I have got my level 3 in childcare. I have been with Smiles for a couple of years now. I used to work with older children but also have experience of all ages in the nursery.
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I am trained in First Aid and safeguarding.
I love working with children, the best part is when we get messy with fun messy plays and when we splash around in muddy puddles outside.
Leah,
Deputy Manager
I am the Deputy Manager at smiles Hinckley parks Pre-school and i have worked with Smiles since 2021. I have been the childcare sector for several years both in early years and primary school.
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I am a Level 3 qualified, and I am also working towards my Level 5 in Advanced Practitioner and Management qualification. I have recently graduated from the Hannen Learning Language and Loving It Training which focuses on the Communication and Language of the early year’s children. I am a mum of three children, and I love working with children as they are such a joy helping them to grow into who they want to be.
Emily,
I have been working for Smiles since 2020 and I currently have a degree in Early childhood, and I am currently working towards my Early Years Initial Teacher Training qualification.
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I adore everything about working with children, but my favourite thing is getting to play a part in their growth and development.
Dylan,
Nursery Practitioner
I am Level 2 qualified, and I am currently working towards my Level 3. I enjoy working with children as it gives me an opportunity to help teach them many exciting things and to learn new skills.
Nadine,
Nursery Practitioner
I am Level 2 qualified, and I am currently working towards my level 3. I work across both the Breakfast and After school club, and Preschool. I have worked with
children for nearly 5 years and absolutely love it as I find it very
rewarding, and every day is different.
Freya,
Nursery Practitioner
I am Level 3 qualified, and I have 7 years’ experience working in childcare. I have worked with Smiles for the Last 2 years and I love getting to know the children and finding out theirs interests to help them learn and grow.
Zoey,
Nursery Practitioner
I am a Level 3 qualified practitioner and i have worked with smiles for 8 years. I love working with the children and helping them to grow. I am also a Mum of two children.
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What to Expect from Smiles
Our mission is to provide the highest quality childcare in Sapcote, if not the world!
As part of our commitment, we provide all of our kids with:
Healthy chef-prepared meals each day that meet dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, etc.
Flexible hours to accommodate parents with busy schedules (including date nights and weekends)
The opportunity to explore the surroundings with weekly field trips
Events that allow children to learn more about the world around them like career day, guest speakers, etc.
Fun events and activities such as sports, drama, French/Spanish and Baby Signs.
A diverse, all-inclusive environment where all cultures and traditions are honoured and respected.
We would be thrilled to have you join our Smiles Nurseries family in Sapcote. Contact us with any questions at +441455274795 or click the button below to schedule a showaround!
Contact Us
12 Rugby House, Hinckley Rd, Sapcote, Leicester, LE9 4FS
12 Rugby House, Hinckley Rd,
Sapcote, Leicester, LE9 4FS
