Hepp DT offers specialist, bespoke guidance and skill-building opportunities for schools through engaging and impactful Design and Technology projects.
As experienced teaching professionals, we bring together many years of expertise in primary education to deliver much needed support and services tailored to the primary sector.
Since establishing Hepp DT in 2017, we have proudly collaborated with hundreds of primary schools. Based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, we travel nationwide to deliver in-person support. Additionally, thanks to the growing use of online meeting platforms, we have extended our reach by providing staff training to educators across the globe.
Wherever you are in the UK or abroad, Hepp DT is here to help you enhance your Design and Technology curriculum with confidence and creativity.
Andy Heppenstall
Founder / Director
About Andy
Andy is a qualified Design & Technology teacher with over 20 years of experience, specialising in both secondary and primary education.
He began his career in secondary schools and spent over half of it as the Head of the Art, Design, and Technology Department at a secondary school in Barnsley. During this time, he gained extensive experience in curriculum development, teaching strategies, leadership, and staff training.
In 2017, Andy made the decision to leave full-time secondary education and founded Hepp DT with the goal of improving Design and Technology education in primary schools. Since then, he has worked with hundreds of primary schools across the UK, offering workshops, curriculum planning, and tailored resources to enhance teaching in the subject.
Alongside his work with schools, Andy has also delivered Initial Teacher Training (ITT) at Huddersfield University. He currently serves as a Design and Technology Subject Coach with the WIPRO Teacher Fellows and Teacher Mentors Programme at Sheffield Hallam University. In 2024, he partnered with BBC Bitesize to create and review primary Design and Technology content – this work is now live on the BBC Bitesize Primary education pages.
Laura Heppenstall
Director
About Laura
Laura is a qualified English teacher with over a decade of experience, having trained in secondary education before gaining her QTS in 2013.
Early in her career, she led Design and Technology provision for some of Barnsley’s most vulnerable students as part of her role as Head of Year, demonstrating her commitment to supporting diverse learners.
For much of her professional journey, Laura held whole-school responsibilities focused on improving teaching and learning, staff training, and mentoring. Her strategic and ambitious approach to leadership helped shape a culture of continuous improvement within the schools she worked.
In 2019, Laura joined Hepp DT, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge in teaching pedagogy, curriculum planning, and assessment. As a driven leader, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring that English standards are incorporated throughout the Design and Technology curriculum.
Since joining Hepp DT, Laura has collaborated with hundreds of primary Design and Technology leads to create tailored, effective curriculum plans, and has delivered high-quality workshops to primary schools across the country.
This year, Laura’s focus is on expanding the development and distribution of Hepp DT’s material resource kits to schools, further supporting educators in delivering impactful Design and Technology lessons.
Jess Warburton-Cheeseman
After School Club Specialist
About Jess
Jess holds a degree in Textile Crafts from Huddersfield University and has extensive experience working in both school and industry settings.
Since joining Hepp DT in 2021, Jess has brought a wealth of industry knowledge and a passion for teaching. She excels at equipping children with invaluable skills through our engaging After School Club program. Outside of work, Jess is a keen singer and performer, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to everything she does.
All our After School Clubs are run exclusively by Jess, ensuring consistency and high-quality experiences for every child. She is fully DBS-checked, and comprehensive risk assessments are conducted for all activities, giving you peace of mind that safety is always our priority.
