Innovative Teaching and Learning in Primary Schools

As Head of Primary and Early Years Teacher Education at the University of Warwick, Des Hewitt places teaching and learning at the heart of his work. With over 25 years teaching experience in schools and Universities, he has been recognized for his national and international profile in Teacher Education. He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy and is a Professorial Teaching Fellow at Warwick.

Des has experience of promoting and evolving the model of placements for trainee primary school teachers, in England and in other countries. He has also been involved in advising UK government organisations in developing English and reading for University ITT providers. He also has also lead Universities in developing practice in special education needs and disability. He also sat on a steering group in the Department for Children, Schools and Families, evaluating the impact of training for inclusion in teacher education.

Working with schools and the Teacher Education sector in Tanzania, has been a focus for Des in recent years. Collaborative projects with researchers and educators in Finland, Germany, India and Hungary have also provided the opportunity to share ideas about teacher education, partnership development and research skills, internationally. Des supports emerging researchers through the European Educational Research Association.

Publications include a focus on Innovation, EAL and Effective Learning, mental health and mindfulness, matching his research interests. Recently, he has lead research evaluation of educational practice in the Arts and a agricultural sectors. He is a Director of several Multi Academy Trusts. Through these he is able to support school improvement and the development of a good education for children and professionals. Des is always committed to working in partnership with others.


Susan Tarrant has worked for several years as a primary teacher during which time she was able to develop her passion for the effective use of ICT in learning and teaching in schools. Whilst mentoring student teachers from the University of Derby, Susan worked on projects using innovative ways of ICT to support learning. Now, as a University Teacher in primary education, she leads ICT (now Computing) across the B.Ed and PGCE programmes at the University of Derby.