Ben Bardell

Head Teacher

Sue Boyall

Early Years Team Leader & SENDCo

Beech Class Teacher (Reception)

Rebecca Day

Key Stage 2 Team Leader

Oak Class Teacher (Year 6)

Minke Dawes

Deputy Headteacher

Jo Johnston

Key Stage 1 Team Leader

Elm Class Teacher (Year 1)

Sally Edwards

Office Manager

Sue Boyall

Early Years Team Leader & SENDCo

Beech Class Teacher (Reception)

I am married and have lived in Bedfordshire all of my life. After having my two children, I have worked within the education community since the year 2000.  Completing my teacher training at Laburnum, I have been employed as a teacher since September 2011. During my time at this school, I have undertaken the role of the Computing Subject Leader and I am the named person responsible for Special Educational Needs. My personal interests include reading, socialising and spending quality time with my family.   ​

Liz Watts

Apple Class Teacher (Nursery)

I qualified as a teacher in 1992 after achieving my BEd Hons Degree in Primary Education in London and moved to Bedfordshire to begin my teaching career. I taught in in Bedford for 9 years, during this time I furthered my professional development by gaining a Certificate in Early Childhood Education.  After taking a break to look after my two daughters I became a supply teacher then I joined Laburnum in 2009. During my time at Laburnum I trained to be a Numbers Count Teacher and spent some time working with pupils who needed support with Maths. I am now Maths subject leader as well as having the pleasure of being a class teacher in Foundation stage. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family as well as reading, sewing and baking.

Nicola Gauge

Apple Class Teacher (Nursery) & Beech Class Teacher (Reception)

I started my school career as a teaching assistant in a local lower school and then went on to do my teacher training in early years. As part of my training, I gained a PG Cert in 'Creative Learning in Young Children' and 'Child Development in Family and Society'. I have also spent some time teaching in a special needs school where I have gained some very valuable experience. I am married and have 3 teenagers and a young dog. Outside of school, I enjoy dancing, cooking, socialising and spending time with my family.

Jo Johnston

Key Stage 1 Team Leader

Elm Class Teacher (Year 1)

I completed both my Diploma in Child care and Education and my Graduate teacher program at Laburnum Primary School and was subsequently employed as a full time teacher in 2006. I have taught in Nursery, Reception, Year 1, 2 and 3 during my time here.

I feel very privileged to work at Laburnum and see children learn, develop and grow throughout their time here.

Judy Moore

Cedar Class Teacher (Year 2)

My first degree was in earth sciences, where I majored in hydrology, glaciology and ecology.  Following a short career in social housing, and some years spent bringing up my two sons, I qualified with a Primary Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Homerton College, Cambridge in 2001.  Ever since then I have taught at Laburnum Primary School and currently teach Year 2, but have taught from Year 1 to Year 4 during this time.  Presently, I have responsibility for leading Science and Modern Foreign Languages, and oversee provision to enable pupils to work at Greater Depth.  Outside school, I am interested in all things scientific and geographical, and enjoy taking part in various forms of singing (in choir, groups and sometimes solo) and have piano lessons too.  At home, now that my children are virtually independent, I enjoy downtime with my husband, my dog, my garden, my allotment and backyard hens.     

Rebecca Day

Key Stage 2 Team Leader

Oak Class Teacher (Year 6)

My career working with children began when leading music workshops and therapies for young people. During this time I also performed in Musical Theatre companies. Since qualifying as a teacher in 2012, I have worked at a school in Cambridgeshire and have also continued to peruse my passion for singing in my spare time.

Having joined Laburnum Primary School in September 2018, I lead both Music and R.E. I also lead the Key Stage 2 team and thoroughly enjoy working alongside staff to  ensure children’s learning experiences are valuable, memorable and purposeful. 

As well as my interest for theatre, I enjoy reading and watching movies- especially Harry Potter and anything Disney! At home I have two cats Reggie and Flo who keep me busy and entertained

Alice Joy

Chestnut Class Teacher (Year 3)

I joined the team at Laburnum  Primary School in 2020.

Neal Mepham

Willow Class Teacher (Year 4)

I joined the team at Laburnum  Primary School in 2019.

Verity Bellingham

Chestnut Class Teacher (Year 3)

(On Maternity Leave)

I graduated from the University of Bedfordshire in 2012 with a degree in English Studies. I then worked in schools as both a Teaching Assistant and as part of a Learning Support team. I completed my teacher training with The Pilgrim Partnership and I was subsequently employed as a full time teacher at Laburnum. I am currently teaching in Year 3. I am a keen musician and I hope to bring my knowledge of music into the classroom, so that all of the children can experience a wide variety of music, as well as using it as a tool for learning.

Outside of school, I enjoy photography, cooking, gardening, music and spending quality time with my fiancé and family.

Caroline Godfrey

Sycamore Class Teacher (Year 5)

I joined Laburnum Primary School in 2010. Prior to this I have both professional and personal experience of working and supporting adults with learning disabilities. Having also worked as a teaching assistant and higher level teaching assistant for nearly six years at a local middle school, I undertook my teacher training in 2007, qualified in 2008 and began teaching at a local lower school. My first two years at Laburnum was delivering the Every Child a Reader programme. Since then I have moved back into the role of class teacher and I am currently job sharing the Year 5 Class. 

I am currently the Art, PSHCE and Values subject leader. Outside of school I enjoy walking, gardening, art and most importantly sharing life with my family and friends.

Emily Jarman

Sycamore Class Teacher (Year 5)

I joined the team at Laburnum  Primary School in 2019.