Jane was born in Northumberland. Her father was in the Church of England, so the family moved from time to time, eventually moving south (to Yorkshire). After university, she trained to be a teacher and taught primary aged children for many years in Wetherby. Coming south with her husband, she has taught in several of Eltham's primary schools, currently voluntarily at St Mary's School in Glenure Road. She and John have one child, Rosie, who is studying graphic design and advertising at the London College of Communication.