Matthew Barnes

Matthew Barnes was one of Her Majesty's Inspectors and Specialist Adviser, SEND. He had extensive experience of leading section 5 and section 8 inspections in the mainstream and independent school sectors, including special schools. He also led local area SEND inspections. Previously, Matthew worked as a primary headteacher in four settings and across two local authorities. One of these roles was as an executive headteacher of two schools in the South West. He has also benefitted from experience in two special school settings, one for pupils with social and communication needs and the other for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Matthew has three children, a daughter in mainstream schooling and two sons who both have special educational needs and attend specialist provision. Matthew completed a B.Ed. in English and Education, has National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), a Professional Qualification for School Inspectors (PQSI), has completed Ofsted's SEND enhanced training and is a trained Forest School leader.