Supporting families in the heart of Darley Abbey, Derby, where every learner’s unique potential is recognised and celebrated.
Finding the right school for your child shouldn’t feel impossible. At Include | St Matthews, we understand the challenges families face when traditional education doesn’t fit your child’s unique needs.
We’re here for families like yours.
Located in Darley Abbey, Derby, Include | St Matthews creates personalised education where every learner thrives. We welcome neurodivergent children and those who need a fresh start after difficult school experiences. Here, your child doesn’t need to change to fit in.
Our therapeutic approach begins with what matters most: helping your child feel safe, seen, and supported. When children know they belong exactly as they are, remarkable learning happens. We build on individual strengths whilst addressing learning differences with evidence-based practice.
Your child will discover their brilliance in our calm, nurturing community. We adapt our teaching to how they learn best, creating pathways to confidence and success.
Ready to see how your child could flourish? Every journey begins with feeling truly understood.
Your child will follow our innovative curriculum, designed by Include Education Group to celebrate every learner’s unique potential. Our approach adapts to individual strengths across seven core learning areas.
Each area adapts to your child’s individual learning differences, ensuring they thrive whilst building essential skills for their bright future.
Personalised literacy development that builds confidence through individual interests and learning styles. Every child discovers their voice through reading, writing, and creative expression.
Mathematical thinking that connects to real-world experiences. We make numbers meaningful, building strong foundations at each child’s own pace.
Geography, history, and cultural understanding that broadens horizons. Learners explore how they connect to communities near and far.
Communication skills that go beyond words. We develop confident speakers, active listeners, and thoughtful communicators across all situations.
Life skills and emotional intelligence that prepare learners for the future. Building resilience, relationships, and personal awareness.
Physical wellbeing and healthy choices that last a lifetime. From movement to mindfulness, we nurture the whole child.
Creative problem-solving that sparks curiosity and innovation. Learners explore, experiment, and discover through hands-on learning.
Every child has the right to feel safe, valued and understood before they’re asked to learn. Our therapeutic approach creates the conditions where children naturally rediscover their love of learning, building confidence alongside academic achievement.
Where trust rebuilds naturally
We create predictable, calm environments where children can settle and feel secure. When anxiety dissolves, curiosity returns. Your child learns that school can be a place of safety, not stress.
Adults who truly listen
Consistent, caring relationships form the foundation of everything we do. Our staff understand that behaviour communicates needs. Every interaction builds trust, showing your child they matter exactly as they are.
Designed for comfort and growth
Every space considers sensory needs, movement, and emotional regulation. Quiet corners for reset moments, natural light, and calming colours create environments where children feel ready to engage and explore.
Education that fits your child
We shape learning around individual interests, strengths and pace. When children see their passions reflected in lessons, learning becomes meaningful. Your child discovers they're capable of far more than they imagined.
Healing through connection
Daily outdoor time helps children regulate emotions and build resilience. Forest schools, garden projects, and nature-based activities create natural opportunities for learning, growth and joy.
Hear directly from families who’ve discovered how personalised learning transforms their child’s educational journey. These authentic voices share real experiences of children thriving when education adapts to their unique strengths.
From discovering newfound confidence to achieving outcomes parents never thought possible, these stories illustrate what happens when every learner is truly seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
Explore more parent experiences and see how your child could flourish here.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Send us a message: info.stmatthews@include-education-group.co.uk
We believe learners thrive when they feel comfortable and authentic. Our uniform policy balances community identity with individual needs. Each Include school develops flexible policies that honour both belonging and personal expression. Contact your local Include school for specific uniform guidelines that work for every learner.
School hours vary by location to serve each community effectively. Include | St Matthews typically operates from 8:30am to 3:30pm, with extended provision available. Our flexible approach means we adapt to what works best for learners and families. Contact the school directly for specific timings and wraparound care options.
Every learner has unique strengths and requirements. Our evidence-based approach personalises education around individual differences rather than expecting learners to adapt to rigid systems. Through therapeutic communities and trauma-informed practice, we create conditions where all children discover their potential.
Our learners achieve recognised qualifications whilst developing confidence, resilience, and authentic self-expression. Each Include school offers pathways including GCSEs, vocational programmes, and alternative accreditation. We focus on preparing learners for their chosen futures, not one-size-fits-all outcomes.
Each Include school welcomes family visits to experience our inclusive communities firsthand. Visit times and processes vary by location. Contact your nearest Include school directly to book a tour, meet our expert teams, and see personalised learning in action.
We demonstrate how education should work for every learner. Rather than separate systems for different needs, we create inclusive environments where all children belong. Through compassionate expertise and innovative practice, we prove that when education adapts to learners, every child can thrive.