I joined Laburnum as Head Teacher in September 2017. I believe that learning equips all of us with with the ability to make choices about our future. By seeking out our own learning opportunities, myself and the staff will continue to develop our expertise and support the children to rise to the challenges in school.  Throughout my career I have worked in a number of Lower and Primary Schools in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire and worked for several years as an English and School Improvement Consultant for Cambridgeshire Local Authority. At home our two sons and dog 'Betty' keep us very busy and remind us of the importance of family time.

Head Teacher

Ben Bardell

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.

Key Stage 1 Team Leader

Elm Class Teacher (Year 1)

Jo Johnston

I joined the team at Laburnum  Primary School in 2018.

Key Stage 2 Team Leader

Oak Class Teacher (Year 6)

Rebecca Day

I have been teaching at Laburnum since 2005 having previously taught in two other schools since qualifying with a BEd in 2001.

I am the Deputy Head, as well as being the English, Assessment and Pupil Premium Lead.

I live within the Laburnum catchment area and am keen to build strong community links and to encourage parents to become more involved in the life of the school. With three young children, my spare time is generally devoted to them although I do enjoy running, dancing and reading.

Deputy Headteacher

Minke Dawes

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.   ​

Early Years Team Leader & SENDCo

Beech Class Teacher (Reception)

Sue Boyall

I have worked at Laburnum for many years and coordinate the administration and finances of the school.

Office Manager

Sally Edwards

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.   ​

Early Years Team Leader & SENDCo

Beech Class Teacher (Reception)

Sue Boyall

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.

Apple Class Teacher (Nursery)

Liz Watts

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.

Apple Class Teacher (Nursery)

Nicola Gauge

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.

Key Stage 1 Team Leader

Elm Class Teacher (Year 1)

Jo Johnston

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.     

Cedar Class Teacher (Year 2)

Judy Moore

I joined the team at Laburnum  Primary School in 2018.

Key Stage 2 Team Leader

Oak Class Teacher (Year 6)

Rebecca Day

I joined the team at Laburnum  Primary School in 2019.

Willow Class Teacher (Year 4)

Neal Mepham

I joined the team at Laburnum  Primary School in 2019.

Sycamore Class Teacher (Year 5)

Emily Jarman

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.

Chestnut Class Teacher (Year 3)

Verity Reardon

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.

Sycamore Class Teacher (Year 5)

Caroline Godfrey