Our Directors
Since April 2021 both Laura Hopkins and Nicola Gracey have worked hard as business owners to register as a new childcare provider setting up Big Voices Out of School Care Services LLP and then reregistering as Big Voices Childcare Services LTD in August 2022. Both Partners have developed the services, introduced a Mobile Crèche Service, inducted new staff and welcomed new families, all while delivering a safe, fun and enjoyable programme of activities for children attending.
Laura Hopkins
NC and HNC Early Education and Childcare
BA Childhood Practice
During her career Laura has gained a great deal of experience working with different age groups from 6 weeks to 14 years, planning and carrying out fun learning experiences for children to take part in focusing mainly on the importance of play.
Laura has demonstrated strong leadership and management skills, with her focus remaining firmly fixed on ensuring that each service is delivered to a high standard and that the children’s experiences are as enriched as possible promoting an environment of mutual trust and respect.
In addition to an HNC and BA Laura is also a qualified SVQ Assessor with the ability to take staff through their SVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (Children and Families). Laura is a Designated Child Protection Officer (NSPCC) and a skilled Training Facilitator with the ability to deliver a range of learning and development opportunities to staff in topics such as Child Protection, GIRFEC training and team development sessions.
Furthermore, Laura has completed a wide range of additional training, as part of her ongoing commitment to Continued Professional Development (CPD) including Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, Safe to Say, Mindfulness, STEM, Physical Play, Trauma- Informed Practice and Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Laura is knowledgeable in current legislations and is driven to ensure that each service works in accordance with the Health and Social Care Standards, SSSC Codes of Practice, Getting it Right for Every Child, Pre Birth to Three and the Playwork Principles.
Nicola Gracey
SVQ 4 in Playwork
PDA Plus in Childhood Practice level 9
During her childcare career, Nicola has worked with a wide range of children from age 6 weeks to 14 years and children from various cultures and backgrounds. This has given Nicola a great deal of experience and knowledge to put into practice to allow her to facilitate fun, stimulating activities and experiences for children. Focusing on building relationships, trust and respect.
Through various promotions Nicola has been able to show good leadership and managerial skills to support her staff teams to deliver a high standard and quality childcare service to the children and families attending.
Nicola completed her PDA Plus in Childhood Practice Level 9 in December 2021 and is currently trained as a Designated Child Protection Officer (NSPCC).
In addition to this Nicola has also completed a wide range of additional training, as part of her ongoing commitment to Continued Professional Development (CPD) including Paediatric First Aid, First Aid Skills with COVID-19, Pandemic Response, Food Hygiene, STEM, Physical Play, Trauma- Informed Practice, Suicide Awareness and Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Nicola has up to date training and knowledge with current legislations and frameworks. Nicola works hard alongside Laura and the staff teams to ensure that they work in accordance with the Health and Social Care Standards, SSSC Codes of Practice, Getting it Right for Every Child, the Play work Principles and implementing UN Conventions of the Rights of the Child.
The afterschool is exciting and fun and is always welcoming to everyone
Children