The Jelly Beans Pre School team
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Sarah Drummond
Poppy Drummond
Owner
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 taking care of our two horses.
I set up the popular Jelly Beans Nursery back in 2004, since when we have grown the Nursery and are very proud to be opening its sister Pre-school site based here at Plumberow Primary Academy.
Pre School Manager
I have been working at Jelly Beans for nearly ten years as it has been a part of my life since I was a child. My Mum, Sarah, started a small preschool in her living room, taught my sisters and me using the Montessori method, and began what was to be an amazing journey for Jelly Beans Montessori. Montessori is my passion. It has instilled in me a lifelong love of learning and the early years. I have always worked with children, either helping out at Jelly beans while I was at school, or working as a nanny while I was at Uni, and finally joining Jelly Beans permanently after I left. I completed my Early Years teacher training and Montessori qualifications shortly afterwards and have loved every minute of it. Supporting children with special educational needs is another passion of mine, and I have just finished a Masters in psychology. I’m looking to complete another masters in Montessori Education next year.
Amy Newman
Deputy Manager
My name is Amy and I joined the lovely Jelly Beans in October 2023 as Deputy manager and in March 2024 I was offered the position of nursery manager at Plumberow. I have 16 years experience in early years settings and love working with the children and their families. My interest in Montessori began when I observed what a difference it makes to children's learning and overall development. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to partake in Montessori training and explore that interest and develop my knowledge of the Montessori way of learning. I also have my Level 5 in Early Years and love to learn new skills and gain more knowledge. Joining the wonderful Jelly Beans team has been great fun and everyone has been so welcoming, I am very excited to see what the future brings at Jelly Beans!
Stacey Haunton
SEN Assistant
I am a mum of 3 children from 5yrs-15yrs. I have worked with children 0-16yrs since 2008. I have always felt that I have a natural empathy towards children and their parents. I have ranged from working with children with SENCO to children in care. To see a child thrive and obtain goals is what makes my job so rewarding. My hobbies are spending time with my family and walking our dog Penny.
Mel Bartlett
Early Years Practitioner
I joined Jelly Beans at the beginning of January 2018 after working for 10 years with Tumble Tots, during which time I studied and gained my Level 2 Childcare qualification. I have recently started studying for my Montessori teacher qualification. I’m very excited to be part of the team and it’s been lovely getting to know the children and work with them each day. I live locally with my husband, daughter and two lively Jack Russell’s and enjoy spending time on family dog walks, cinema, going to the theatre and listening to music.
Erika Reddick
Early Years Assistant
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.
Chloe French
Early Years Practitioner
I have always had a passion to work with children and knew this was what I wanted to do when I left school . I gained my NVQ Level 2 and 3 in childcare and have now worked in childcare for nearly 14 years. I have a 10 year old daughter who attends Plumberow primary. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, also having movie nights with my daughter and going down to adventure island.
Sophie Carter
Apprentice Early Years Assistant
I joined Jelly Beans Plumberow in 2023 as an apprentice and am currently working towards my level 2 qualification. I have always loved the idea of working with children and seeing them make friendships and accomplishing so much together. outside of work i enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as reading.
Sara Green
Early Years & Lunch Assistant
Hi my name is Sara and I have been working at jelly beans for just over a year now. I love working with all the jelly beans and watching them learn and, of course, have fun. I come from a big familly with lots of nieces and nephews so looking after children comes naturally to me. I also have 3 children myself who keep me busy when I’m not working. I’m hoping to complete my level 2 childcare in the near future and continue learning.
Ells Saunders
SEN Assistant
I joined the team at JellyBeans in 2023. As a SEN assistant, I chose this role as I really enjoy supporting children with and without SEN. Outside of work I enjoy reading and being creative.
Millie Holmes
SEND Assistant
My name is Millie and I am a SEND Assistant here at Jelly Beans. The best part of my role is seeing faces smiling back at me and to learn something new. Knowing I have made a child smile and seeing them progress in their journey really makes me happy. I am based at Plumberow but I may appear in the other settings as well. As of now I am currently doing a degree in Counselling and Jelly Beans is really helping me broaden my knowledge with things such as Child Development and the Montessori Method which I can refer to in my studies. In my spare time I enjoy going to gigs, dress up like it’s Halloween every day and I love anything that’s spooky and quirky.