Staff

My name is Claudia Miller and it has been my dream for many years to lead a school like Smarden. I graduated from Leeds University with a degree in Russian and went to work for Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service. I travelled to Ethiopia and Kenya and had many exciting adventures before having my first son Alex when I was 25. I went into teaching as a second career after ten years as a busy Mum of six children. My daughter with special needs was treated very badly at her primary school; I found the system so hard and her school wouldn't listen, nobody would teach her to read; I got angry and wanted to do it better. So I became a teacher, and then a Senco, and then a Headteacher. I am still trying, to this day, to make the educational system the very best it can be for every child, no matter their ability, and to ensure that every parent is listened to. I remarried three days before I started at Smarden and now have 10 children, 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 guinea pigs. In my rare spare time, I like walking my dogs with my husband and going to Wales.

Hello! My name is Laura and I live in Cranbrook with my husband, two children and our lovely cockapoo, Ruby. I moved to Kent from London in 2015. I really enjoy living in a more rural part of the world and like to get outside often with my family, and Ruby, of course! I like keeping fit and healthy and do yoga and spinning. I'm the lead Nursery teacher here at Smarden Nursery School. I'm a qualified teacher and have taught in Nursery, Reception and Year One, in a range of different schools. My heart lies in Early Years and it is a privilege and joy to work with the littlest children. I think there's something magical about learning through play and seeing children develop holistically. I'm so lucky to work with such a great team of practitioners at Smarden and together we create a happy, caring and purposeful atmosphere. 

Hello. I’m Lara Ward and one of the newest members of the Smarden team. I have a degree in Geography from the University of Manchester, and completed my PGCE in London after travelling around the world. Before my PGCE I worked as a teaching assistant in London. I have taught in Early Years and Key Stage One in both London and Kent, and am delighted to be teaching Blyton class this year. I am passionate about creating a caring and nurturing classroom environment, where children are able to thrive. I am from Whitstable originally and love spending time at the seaside. I also enjoy reading, gardening, yoga and spending time with my young family.  

My name is Rosy Almond. I feel very privileged to be joining the Smarden team this year, teaching in Blyton Class. I graduated from Leeds University with a degree in History before completing my teacher training in London. Most of my teaching experience has been in London where I spent over 10 years working in two wonderful schools. I moved to Kent 5 years ago just before my first daughter was born and enjoyed working in two job shares before having my second daughter. I am really looking forward to being back in the classroom; I love the energy and enthusiasm that children have. I am particularly passionate about the creative side of teaching and learning (especially art and design) and hope that above all, the children in my care feel safe, have fun and are happy and motivated. My daughters (5 and 2) ensure that I very rarely have much free time, but when I do, I enjoy gardening, reading and crafting. Currently I am working on my dressmaking and knitting skills; hopefully in time for some winter woollens!

Hello, I'm Miss Gill, and I'm thrilled to join the incredible Smarden Primary School team to teach year 1. I look forward to being part of Smarden's warm and welcoming community.

I became a qualified early years educator and graduated with a degree in primary education; I've gained experience in various schools across Kent and even had the privilege of teaching in Thailand. My passion lies in working with children and ensuring their learning journey is exciting and memorable. 

Beyond the classroom, I'm deeply passionate about sports and also teach swimming. I'm eager to bring this enthusiasm to Smarden Primary School and foster a love for sports among the children. 

My name is Sarah Judge; I am delighted to be part of the Hedgehog Class team working every Friday this academic year. 

I have been a classroom teacher for over 20 years, working predominantly in the early years and key stage one. My degree is a BEd in Primary Education with specialisms in Early Years and Education for Sustainability. I am passionate about allowing children to play, explore and discover. I love outdoor learning, working with nature and teaching children how to become eco-aware. 

I live by the seaside, and in my spare time, I like to spend time with my family, read, do yoga and plant things in my garden. 

Hello everyone, my name is Caroline Taylor and I am delighted to join the team at Smarden Primary School. I have been a teacher for many years, and I thoroughly enjoy my job. I have always lived in the local area and recently my family and I
will be relocating to the weald, moving to Cranbrook. As you can see, I love dogs and have two, Jess and Harvey.

Hi, I'm Emma Leeks and I joined Smarden as a TA in 2020. I graduated from Winchester University and after some travel adventures, settled in Watford where I met my husband and spent my first few years teaching. Originally from Kent, we moved back home to raise our young family, where I took a break from teaching to focus on running my childminding business. I'm now loving being back in a school environment and working as part of a wonderful team. I am a proud mum of two girls and when away from work, I enjoy family dog walks, reading and exploring new places. I am looking forward to teaching Foxes Class one day/week as well as being the TA in the class for two mornings.  I shall also be teaching Squirrels class on Wednesdays.

Hi, my name is Rebecca Edmondson and I have been teaching for 9 years. I completed my degree in Psychology which led me to work with children within education and went on to complete a PGCE in Primary school teaching.

I have two young boys who keep me very busy at home. We love to be outdoors exploring, playing sports and of course playing superheros. I will be overlooking the PE at Smarden and my favourite sport is skiing. 

Hello, my name is Thomas Dixon and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach Year 6 at Smarden School, with which I have a long association as a parent and governor. 

I trained across the 7 to 14 age range, meaning that I have the opportunity to teach in both primary and secondary schools. For the first part of the last school year I taught mathematics in a secondary school, teaching maths classes in years 7, 8, and 9. 

I have particular interests in maths, history, art, emotions, and wellbeing.

Prior to training as a school teacher I was a university academic, working as a Professor of History at Queen Mary University of London. This involved writing books and making podcasts and BBC radio programmes about the history of emotions, and working with TKAT to develop a series of lessons about emotions for primary schools. 

I live a few miles away from Smarden with my wife, two boys, and two cats. I love walking in the countryside, music, cooking, and photography.

Hi, I’m Emma Leech and I’m a teaching assistant in early years in Reception class. Prior to becoming a teaching assistant, I was a production engineer for a tool making company. I gained qualifications in engineering and remained in the industry for 18 years.
I made the decision to leave engineering behind and pursue a career as a teaching assistant when my daughter was about to start school herself. I started my new venture in Smarden pre-school, where I trained and gained experience and qualifications in working in early
years. I remained at pre-school for 4 years, until I was offered a teaching assistant position at Smarden Primary.  I enjoy helping to teach the fundamentals alongside the class teacher and getting to know each child who starts in reception. I live locally to the school and enjoy long walks in the beautiful countryside we live in, photography, music, films, teaching church bell ringing and most of all baking cakes.

Hello! My name is Mrs Avery and I am currently the leader of After school club,  which I love as we have such a friendly unit here at Smarden school. Prior to working here, I spent 15 years working in the Art Gallery and Retail sector, working my way up to area management before taking time out to raise a family. I have a lifelong experience of working with children, especially those with S.E.N.D due to familial circumstances. I have a HLTA, SENand EYF qualifications. I'm currently taking a degree in Child Youth Studies. My hobbies include reading, writing, archeology, pinhole photography and anything creative. Honesty, integrity, and kindness are important to me, and qualities we strive to instill in our children here at Smarden school. 

My name is Mrs Lauren Rivett. I'm proud to be a part-time TA for Ladybirds Class! I am excited to have joined the wonderful team at Smarden Primary as of September 2022. I have long harboured a love for the village and its community and feel honoured to be at the heart of that by being a part of the school. My younger siblings both attended Smarden primary after our move from Essex in 2007 and I immediately fell in love with the kind, nurturing and encouraging environment. I have been lucky enough over the years to occasionally help out within the pre-school and various other events but to be given the opportunity to be here on a permanent basis is very exciting.

In my spare time I love reading books, cooking, being among nature (particularly in Autumn) and spending time with my family including my one year old daughter Lorelai and my two house rabbits.

My name is Sian Thomas and I am the Breakfast Club manager at Smarden Primary School. I am also a TA in Squirrels class which I love!

I have lived in Smarden for 8 years and my daughter used to attend the school. I've worked with children since leaving school myself and also a qualified youth worker. I enjoy working with children and being part of their learning and education journey. I still remember my primary school teachers and hope the children here will have fond memories of their primary education and that I can be a part of this.

I am Welsh, support Liverpool FC and enjoy playing football.

I've worked at the village community store and enjoy being part of the community and giving back to the local area helping people.

Hi, I'm Emma Leeks and I joined Smarden as a TA in 2020. I graduated from Winchester University and after some travel adventures, settled in Watford where I met my husband and spent my first few years teaching. Originally from Kent, we moved back home to raise our young family, where I took a break from teaching to focus on running my childminding business. I'm now loving being back in a school environment and working as part of a wonderful team. I am a proud mum of two girls and when away from work, I enjoy family dog walks, reading and exploring new places. I am looking forward to teaching Donaldson Class one day/week as well as being the TA in the class for the rest of the week.

Hi, I’m Mrs Hammick and I am really excited to be working as a Teaching Assistant in Foxes' class this year. I graduated from the University of Brighton as a secondary school PE teacher and worked in 2 different schools before taking a career break to have my family. I love working with children and have a passion for encouraging the enjoyment of physical activity within the school community.
In my free time I love to be out in the great outdoors with my family. I enjoy long geocaching walks, stand up paddle boarding and have played in the same ladies netball team for the last 28 years.

Hello!
My name is Gen King and I’m a teaching assistant in Ladybirds class. 
Having grown up in Kent, I moved my family back to the area in 2019 from South West London.   
I completed my Montessori Diploma in London and taught there for 7 years before working in a SEND school for a year and then taking time out to raise my three children. In my spare time you can usually find me in the garden or decorating the house, both jobs that never end!
I started my Smarden journey in Nursery and this year I’m delighted to join the Ladybirds team, bringing my positivity, enthusiasm and love for a song to an already fantastic group of teachers!

Hello! My name is Laura and I live in Cranbrook with my husband, two children and our lovely cockapoo, Ruby. I moved to Kent from London in 2015. I really enjoy living in a more rural part of the world and like to get outside often with my family, and Ruby, of course! I like keeping fit and healthy and do yoga and spinning. I'm the lead Nursery teacher here at Smarden Nursery School. I'm a qualified teacher and have taught in Nursery, Reception and Year One, in a range of different schools. My heart lies in Early Years and it is a privilege and joy to work with the littlest children. I think there's something magical about learning through play and seeing children develop holistically. I'm so lucky to work with such a great team of practitioners at Smarden and together we create a happy, caring and purposeful atmosphere. 

Hi my name is Philippa and I have many years experience working with children. I live in Hothfield with my partner and three children, as well as our cuddly cat called Tilly and three feathery chickens. I love anything that involves making, baking, crafting, building, creating, gardening and also the fresh air! And I also love reading stories too! 

I’m Marie and I’ve worked here in Preschool for 19 years.  I have 5 children and 3 cats and I live in Smarden Village.  I love story time, singing, cuddles and rainbows, but most of all I love glitter and anything pink.

Hello! My name is Katie. I love baking, making yummy meals (especially if they involve a slow cooker!) I enjoy walking, pottering in my greenhouse and spending time at the seaside with my husband, our son and daughter. I adore reading stories too, our house is full of books! It’s a real pleasure to be working here at Smarden Preschool, amongst an amazing team, helping the children flourish and grow. 

Hello, my name is Jen. I live in Smarden with my partner and four children. I enjoy family days out, arts, crafts, reading and being out in the fresh air. I'm really excited to be joining the Caterpillar team, helping the children learn and grow.

Hello! I'm Laura Pickard and I have been working at Smarden primary since January 2019 supporting the Governors and providing administrative support to the school and Nursery.

I live in Ashford with my husband and two sons. In my spare time i enjoy family bike rides, walking our Cocker Spaniel, Bobby and watching both my sons playing for their football teams.