MEET THE TEAM

Sarah Drummond
Head and Founder
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After giving birth to my eldest daughter, Poppy, I decided to leave my career in the music business and prepare for parenthood by becoming a Montessori Teacher. Over 20 years ago and two more daughters later, Jemima and Sophie, I have never looked back! The sheer joy of being able to nurture a child's natural inquisitiveness and expand his/her horizons is so rewarding. In my spare time I enjoy relaxing with my family, going to the theatre, music, walking the family dog and looking after our two horses.
I set up Jelly Beans in 2004 and today I am delighted that we have grown the Jelly Beans family into a busy and popular Nursery.

Brooke Richardson
Senior EYFS & Montessori Lead Teacher
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Whilst working as a PA in a sixth form I decided it was time to gain my Level 3 Childcare qualification. This was something I wanted to do for years, but I did not have enough time to fully dedicate myself to my studies. Since starting with Jellybeans I have learnt a great deal from the children and my colleagues, whilst also completing my Level 2 Montessori qualification. I have also recently gained my Level 5 Primary Education qualification. I am a true supporter of meditation, mindfulness and yoga, with all the positive affects it has on you. I implement this mindset in all aspects of my life. Travel is another passion of mine, with my family being from South Africa,
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Please click here for Brooke's testimonial.​​​​

Charley Ford
Early Years Apprentice
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Hi I’m Charley and I have recently joined Jelly Beans Nursery as an Apprentice. I am working towards my Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification. I have always liked the idea of working with children and undertook work experience with Jelly Beans in December 2023. I loved working with the children and really enjoyed my placement and it was this experience that made me decide that a career in Child Care is definitely the right path for me.

Rachel Thornton
Early Years Apprentice
My name is Rachel, I started jellybeans as a work placement during college and now have worked at jelly beans for over a year as an apprentice, I enjoy working with ages 0-3 years and am very passionate about working with SEN children. The best thing about my job is seeing the children’s smiles everyday and watching them throughout their early year’s development and grow. Jelly beans has really helped me develop my knowledge on the Montessori method and how crucial it is for young children to be taught this method in their early years. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Debbie Gray
Pre-School Manager
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I am the deputy manager here at open air. I have been working with children for the past 20 years and I joined jellybeans in September 2018. I am very passionate about working here, I love the outdoor environment and indoors feels like home. Outside of work I enjoy family life I have 3 grown up children and 1 granddaughter. I enjoy forest walks and beach walks with my cocker spaniel ‘Star’. My hobby is boxercise.

Holli Callaghan
Early Years Educator/SENCO
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Both my children have attended Jelly Beans and we instantly found a love for the Montessori approach. I could see how they excelled on a daily basis. I come from a Special Educational Needs school of 12 years starting here after qualifying with my Level 3 in childcare. I then decided to do my higher learning teaching assistant (HLTA) and studied for my Bachelor of Arts Open Degree studying courses all around childcare. I also have makaton sign language training which I have started using at Jelly Beans to teach to the children how to do some sign language. I love spending time with my family and going on lots of different adventures . Family days are my favourite. I have worked with children from the age of 16 and strive to improve my learning along the way with lots of different opportunities .
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Carley Reilley
Bank Staff
I started working at Jelly Beans in August 2023 as Bank staff. I enjoy working with the children and the staff. During my time here I have learnt about the Montessori Ethos which I have enjoyed, as well as watching the children progress throughout the year. I have two children aged 11 and 6 and a dog Molly who we absolutely love taking on long walks!

Ericka Reddick
Early Years Educator
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I am proud to have been part of the Jelly Beans team since 2022. I am a mum and have a passion for helping children develop to their full potential. My daughter has SEN needs which started my interest in education that would help my understanding of her needs and her self-development. My qualifications include Level 3 Special Educational Needs and I am currently studying Early Years and Childcare Provision (Level 3). When I am not at work I am mostly with my family enjoying our time together. I also like taking our dogs for walks and canicross.

Rhian Wood
Deputy Manager
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I joined Jelly Beans in October 2017 as an apprentice and I have recently achieved my Level 3 in Childcare. I wanted to work with children after going on to World Challenge expeditions in Morocco and Sri Lanka in 2013 & 2016. I had the opportunity to go to a local school to help rebuild classrooms, teach the children about the different culture as well as learning about their culture. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and going on adventures.

Marina Mills
Lunchtime Assistant
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I am a Lunchtime Assistant at our Open Air setting and feel so proud to be part of the Jelly Beans team. Each staff member is so warm, welcoming and supportive towards the children and to one another. I live with my husband and at home we have 2 children. We also have 2 miniature schnauzer dogs! We moved to Hockley in 2021 after living in East London for 37 years. I have 22 nieces and nephews so am used to being around lots of children and is what made me want to work with children as I have loved seeing them learn and grow! I enjoy spending my time with friends and family and taking the dogs for walks.

Liann Griffiths
Early Years Practitioner
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I have worked in childcare for 13 years, starting of as a midday assistant in a primary school. I progressed to working in a breakfast and afterschool club working my way up to being a supervisor. I have worked within two nurseries, one being Jellybeans. I have my Certificate level 2 and 3 in play work. I have two children aged 22 and 16. I like walking my dog and meeting up with friends.

Coral Papagavriel
Early Years Educator
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I have been working in the childcare sector for nearly 30 years. I have 3 grown up children and currently 3 grandchildren. My first qualification in childcare I completed in 1996, and from there I have completed many various short courses to keep my knowledge up to date. Then in 2010 I updated my childcare qualification and as I was enjoying the challenge, I continued to study. In 2014 I obtained my Early Years Teacher Status, and the following year I completed my BA Honours Degree in Early Years. I am passionate about seeing babies and young children grow and develop. I find it exciting and rewarding when I see them do something new. I love the fact that I have been there to help them achieve their potential. In my spare time I enjoy seeing live music and having holidays with my husband in our campervan. I am looking forward to helping your children grow and develop when they are at the Nursery.