The Jelly Beans Open Air Pre-school team
Sarah Drummond
Debbie Gray
Rhian Wood
Head and Founder
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.
Pre-School Manager
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.
Deputy Manager
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.
Holli Callaghan
Early Years Practitioner/SENCO
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 .
Marina Mills
Lunchtime Assistant
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.
Brooke Richardson
Senior EYFS & Montessori Lead Teacher
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,
Please click here for Brooke's testimonial.
Liann Griffiths
Early Years Practitioner
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.
Emma Fisher
Bank Staff
I have undertaken work placement in different settings for the last few years, ranging from ages 0-5. Recently, I started a work placement at Jelly Beans as part of my Early Childhood Studies Degree and now work part time as Bank Staff. I am level 3 qualified and now continuing my learning at university to give myself a challenge. I enjoy seeing the children develop in the setting and trying something new.
Rhiannan Degiorgio-Lewis
Early Years Apprentice
Hi I'm Rhiannan and just recently started at Jellybeans working towards my level 3 qualifications. I'm 17 and I've always had a passion for working with children and started doing so last year! Within my time doing so i've learnt many things and starting to train with the Montessori education has shown me how many things i can grow on and i can't wait to learn more.
