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Speakers

Matt Crawford is chair of Optimus Education's MAT Regional Network Central Midlands
Chair
Matt Crawford
CEO
Embark Federation

Matthew is Trust Leader of Embark Federation which is a trust of 19 schools educating over 7000 children across Derbyshire. He was designated a National Leader of Education in 2017 for the work he has done as a system leader. Matthew has supported over twenty schools across Derbyshire who are now all judged to be good or better by Ofsted. He believes that schools are ‘stronger together’ and enjoys sharing practice whilst also learning from others and helping to improve the federation. He also believes that schools should be at the heart of their communities whilst providing their children with the best possible education. All schools in the federation have an exciting curriculum which is accompanied by a rich diet of wider opportunities in Music, Sport, Science and the Arts. The trust has used sponsorship opportunities and grants to fund aspirational events for the children. A keen sportsman, Matthew now enjoys a game of golf at weekends and supporting the Welsh rugby team! Family is very important to Matthew. He is father to Sophie and Daniel who are the most precious things in his life.