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."
Poppy Bates
Director
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"The Montessori Method has been a part of my life since I was born. My Mum, Sarah, started her Montessori Journey when I was a baby, before starting a small preschool in her living room. She taught my sisters and me using the Montessori method, and began what was to be an amazing journey for Jelly Beans Montessori and Sarah’s Montessori Nursery. I have always loved working with children, either helping out at Jelly beans while I was at school, or working as a nanny at Uni, and finally joining Jelly Beans permanently. In 2024, Sarah and I worked together to open Sarah’s Montessori Nursery, which has been the highlight of my career! I holave a degree in philosophy, and a degree in Early Childhood Education as well as holding Early Years Teacher Status. Finding a deeper interest child development and learning, I chose to change direction and completed my masters in Developmental Psychology. I am also Montessori trained. My next academic endeavor will be a doctorate in Montessori, although my current focus is my son, who I love teaching using the Montessori Method and who loves attending Sarah’s as well!"
Mia Powell
Deputy Manager/Room Leader​
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“Hi I’m Mia, I have joined Sarah’s Montessori as the Jemima Puddle Duck Room leader. I have recently been promoted to Deputy Manager and I am overjoyed! I have been working with children since I was 17 and have gained my Level 3 Diploma in childcare. I really do count myself lucky to be part of an amazing team and having the oppertunity to obtain Montessori training enhancing my professional development. I am so excited to see what the future holds for me here at Sarah’s Montessori.”
Lisa Oxenham
People Operation's Manager
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"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."
Holli Callaghan
Group 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."
Muska Asilzadah
Early Years Educator
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“Hello, my name is Muska, and I have been working with early years children for almost five years. I have studied child psychology, which helps me understand each child’s individual needs. I hold a Level 2 Diploma in Early Years, and I have completed ASD Awareness and ADHD courses. Additionally, I have read extensively about supporting children with additional needs. Currently, I am pursuing my Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Montessori Pedagogy (birth to seven) to provide the best outcomes for the children at Sarah’s Montessori."
Marina Mills
Admin​ Assistant​​
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“I am an Admin Assistant here at Sarahs Montessori and feel so proud to be part of both the Jelly Beans and Sarah's 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.i.”
Louise Bashford
Manager
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“I discovered Montessori as a teenager working in London as a Nanny. Everything about her philosophy and teaching methods made sense and I knew that this was the path that I wanted to follow. Having been lucky enough to study at Montessori St Nicholas, I went on to complete my Montessori NFTD, Montessori International, Montessori Primary advanced and lectured up and coming Montessori students at RMTC. I started at Alleyn Court School, nurturing and guiding children as a Montessori teacher and SENCo, and remained there for 28 years, until joining Sarah’s in January 2025. I have a passion for inspiring young minds and seeing their personal development over the years. As a mother to Henry and Amelia (both adults now) I fully understand that every child is an individual and no child’s journey is the same. Sarah’s Montessori defines this perfectly and I am extremely happy to be managing the Nursery, embracing all that it has to offer the children."
Jess Gilbert
Early Years Apprentice​​
(Maternity Leave)
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“Hi, my name is Jess. I am currently an apprentice at this wonderful nursery! I love the outdoors and everything about nature! Although I don’t have as much experience or education within childcare as everyone else, I am so ready and excited to learn as much as I possibly can. I have always wanted to work with children since I was little and am forever grateful that I have been given this opportunity."
Chloe Maskell
Early Years SEN Assistant
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“Hi I'm Chloe , I'm a 1:1 Early Years SEN Assistant in Squirrel Nutkin room. & also offer support as a Bank Staff Member. Outside of work I love spending time with my 2 children and my partner. Previously I’ve participated within voluntary work at a nursery which I really enjoyed. I also have gained experience as a 1:1 respite carer looking after a little girl with special educational needs. This has reinforced my passion for looking after young children. I can't wait to learn more at Sarah's Montessori."
Abbey Barwick
Early Years Educator​
(Maternity Leave)
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“I am an Admin Assistant here at Sarahs Montessori and feel so proud to be part of both the Jelly Beans and Sarah's 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.”