The Jelly Beans Pre School team
Sarah Drummond
Poppy Drummond
Head & 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 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.
Area Manager
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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.
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Manager
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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!
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Stacey Haunton
Deputy Manager
and SENco
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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 Educator
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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.
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Chloe French​
Early Years Educator
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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.
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Sophie Carter
Early Years Educator
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I joined Jelly Beans Plumberow in 2023 as an apprentice and am have achieved 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.
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Sara Green
Early Years & Lunch Assistant
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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.
Amy Newman
Nicole Fox
Apprentice Early Years Assistant
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I am 19 years old and have always wanted work in childcare since I was a little girl. I come from a big family so I have always been around children from a very early age, including my niece's and nephews! My early years journey started when I was doing may placement for my college course and really enjoyed the experience. I joined Jelly Beans Plumberow in November 2023 as a student on placement and then started my Apprentice journey in March 2024.
Laura Milne
SEN Assistant
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With a career in education since 2007, I started by supporting teenagers and young adults with additional needs and earned my PGCE in the Lifelong Learning Sector in 2010. I specialized in teaching and supporting older children and young adults with SEN and behavioural issues across diverse settings. After becoming a parent, I transitioned to primary schools, focusing on advocating for neurodivergent children and those with SEN. Currently, I enjoy working at Jellybeans, passionately supporting children to ensure a happy start to their education. As a mum of two (ages 7 and 11) with a ginger cat, my free time is spent with family, enjoying outdoor activities, often in Hockley Woods.
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Amanda Lee
Early Years Educator​​
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"My name is Amanda and I’ve only just joined the jellybeans team January 25. Previous to joining this lovely team I worked in another nursery for 20 years and hold a level 3 diploma. I have 3 adult children two of which are twins. I grew up being involved in the dancing world plus I was also a national baton twirling champion as was my daughter whose team I helped coach. Because of my background I love watching anything performance based."
