The Jelly Beans Nursery team
Sarah
Sarah Drummond
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.
Fiona Pittard
Early Years Practitioner
I have been working with children for over 13 years within the Hockley area. I decided to study childcare when my daughter was little and I’m so glad I did as it’s such a rewarding career and I love seeing children learn and develop their skills. I joined Jelly Beans day nursery in November last year and I feel proud to be part of such a great team. I have a level 2 and 3 qualification in childcare.
I have two children aged 15 & 19 and in my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, long walks with my dogs, love music and watching a good film or series.
Judy Harrop
Manager
I am the Manager at the Day Nursery, level 5 qualified in childcare and have looked after children 0-14 years for the last 20 years.
I am currently undertaking the level 2 Montessori course and I can't wait to share what I am learning with all the children.
Coral Papagravriel
Deputy Manager
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.
Heidi Tunbridge
Lunch/Early Years Assistant
I have lived In Rochford for 6 years with my husband and two daughters Molly 10 and Florence 7. I also have two fur babies, my cats Loki and Fifi.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
I love working at Jelly Beans and seeing all the children growing individually every day is so rewarding.
Shan Britten
Early Years Practitioner
I have been in childcare for over 20 years working with all the different age ranges from 0 to 8 year olds, and with children with Additional Needs and I have enjoyed watching them all meet their own full potential.
I am just about to embark on studying for my Montessori Degree.
Tino Harding
Lisa Oxenham
HR/Office Manager
I have lived in Hockley for the past 15 years but recently moved out to the countryside of Stambridge. I have three children ranging from the age of 8 up to 24 years old. I achieved a Degree in European Business after leaving school and I have been working in education for the past 17 years in various roles including teaching, learning support, pastoral administration and more recently a PA within an Academy Trust. Outside of the office I am very involved with my local church as well as enjoying time with my family, friends and my 3 rather large dogs.
Georgina Curtin
Room Leader
I am the Room Leader for the Santa Maria room based at the Day Nursery. I have an NVQ Cache Level 3 in childcare and have been working in childcare for 5 years now. Prior to that I helped look after children within two families aged between 2 and 7 years when I got the opportunity to work overseas.
I love working with children and I enjoy watching their personalities develop and flourish. I'm a big kid at heart so I really connect with the children. I'm also an auntie to 2 nieces of 5 months and 1 year and 2 nephews of 12 and 3 years.
in my spare time I love to catch up with friends, see my family, go swimming and read a good book.
I look forward to meeting you!
Caitlin Evans
Apprentice Early Years Practitioner
Hi I'm Caitlin and I'm doing a apprenticeship at the moment. studying for my level 2. Working with children has always been a major thing for me and I've always done work experience within a childcare setting. I'm a very talkative person and I love making people smile and laugh. Outside of work I'm also a dancer and I've been dancing for 15 years. I've helped out my dance teacher with camps over the past 2 years with our little stars and once I've achieved my level 2 and 3 qualification I would like to focus on working with children with special educational needs to help them become more independent.
Early Years Practitioner
My name is Tino, I'm 19 and started working at the nursery on a work placement whilst studying my Level 3 Childcare qualification. I have now passed and am fully qualified and looking forward to a bright future working in this lovely environment whilst making the children safe and content. I do love to see their happy smiles every day.
Sarah Hawkins
Bank Staff
I am very passionate about education and believe that early years education is vital for a child’s development as it sets the foundation for a child’s educational journey by helping them to build a love of learning from a young age. Since leaving school I have worked and volunteered in a range of different settings from schools, after school clubs, nurseries and preschools. I went on to follow my passion for education at university where I gained a Masters degree in Early Years Education, after completing this I worked as a Senior Early Years Educator for six year. I then took some time off to have my little boy and have recently joined Jelly Beans in October 2023 as part of the Bank Team. I have really been enjoying learning the Montessori approach and am looking forward to learning more
Isla Grant
Apprentice Early Years Assistant
I have been with Jelly Beans for just over a year now and and I am coming close to achieving my level 2 qualification in childcare. Since being here I’ve found a love for the Montessori way and have just starting my Level 2 Montessori qualification. I really enjoy watching the children progress. I wanted to work with children since growing up with my 2 younger brothers and cousins. I love our outside space and think each and every member of staff is warm and welcoming. I enjoy spending time with family and friends in my spare time.
Lulu Ridley-Cook
Bank Staff
In my time spent working at Jelly Beans I’ve found everyday very different yet so rewarding. Creating bonds and seeing these children learning and growing up in to their own unique selves is why I love working with them. At Jelly beans we really take pride in encouraging them to be themselves and to be whoever they want to be.
Ellie Musicka
Early Years Practitioner
I am level 3 qualified in Child Care and I am enjoying getting to know all the children and helping them develop.