Expect the best in everything then play your part in achieving it

Dunster First School

Welcome to Dunster First School, a haven of learning nestled in the picturesque medieval village of Dunster in Somerset, UK.

Head Of School
Dunster First School

Mr Paul James

Main Points of Contact:

Executive Headteacher: Mrs Naomi Philp

Head Of School: Mr Paul James

SENCO: Shelley Payne

Chair of Governors: Mrs Frances Nicholson

Main contacts for parents and general enquiries: School Office [Gayle Bonar or Ruth Thrush]

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: SENCO [Shelley Payne]

Paper copies of information on the website or Governor Minutes: School Office [Gayle Bonar or Ruth Thrush]

All can be contacted via the details below, at the bottom of the page.

Welcome to Dunster First School

"The school has a charming community feel to it and the emphasis on teaching kindness is evident throughout. I feel my child is developing skills beyond pure academic skills and he has been very happy.’

Dunster First School is a haven of learning nestled in the picturesque village of Dunster in Somerset, UK. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, our historic school is privileged to be immersed in the beauty of local woodland, moorland, and the rich heritage of Dunster Castle. As a happy, kind, and caring school, we are proud to be at the heart of our supportive community, unwavering in our commitment to place children at the centre of all we do.

At Dunster First School, we recognise the incredible attributes our children possess - their beauty, intelligence, humour, creativity, thoughtfulness, and intuition. We believe in celebrating their uniqueness and nurturing their potential so that they can find their element, be truly happy, and excel. Our dedicated staff live by a simple yet powerful mantra: "What is best for the children."

We are passionate about fostering a family ethos and embedding our core values throughout the entire school. We embrace sustainability, working diligently to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. We actively engage with our local community, collaborating on projects and initiatives that inspire a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

'Expect the best in everything then play your part in achieving it'

Diversity and inclusion are integral to our mission, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where all children feel welcome and valued. We are proud to offer expert special needs support, with a highly skilled SENco (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) on staff to ensure that every child's unique requirements are met.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom, with an emphasis on social and emotional well-being, as well as developing a strong sense of responsibility towards our planet and community. We believe that by nurturing these values in our children, we are shaping not only their educational journey but also their growth as compassionate, responsible citizens of the world.

Join us at Dunster First School, where we cultivate a love for learning and a deep respect for the world around us, guiding our children towards a bright and promising future. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on our people, our purpose, and our planet.

Dunster Pre School

Read More about Dunster Pre School

Take a 360 tour

Dunster First School
Expect the best in everything then play your part in achieving it

Contact us

Address

Dunster First School

13 St George's Street

Dunster

Minehead

TA24 6RX

Google Maps Link

Are you ready to give your child an engaging and enriching start to their educational journey

Don't wait another day! Visit one of our Moorland Federation preschools today. Start the process by contacting us to schedule a tour and see first-hand how our personalised, inclusive, and immersive learning environment will set the stage for your child's lifelong love of learning. Start your child's Moorland journey today!

Our team of educators and specialist staff leading the way

Our Senior Leadership Team

Our team of Senior Leaders, creating an inclusive and diverse workforce dedicated to delivering excellence

FAQs

See our frequently asked questions across a range of subjects from everyday school attendance to special trips, extra curricular activities and admissions.

Can my child wear jewellery in school?

We ask that pupils do not wear jewellery in school.

Uniform
Do you involve parents/carers in planning activities outside the classroom and school trips?

Advice from parents or carers is welcomed and essential on these occasions.

Accessibility & SEND
How accessible is the school and its facilities and how will my child be included in activities outside the classroom, including school trips?

Moorland Federation Schools, complete an accessibility self-audit. Efforts are made to make each school as accessible as possible within the constraints in existing buildings.

Accessibility & SEND
How do Moorland Federation schools promote caring attitudes?

Our teachers adopt differentiated teaching and learning styles to cater to individual student needs. We believe in creating an environment that enables each child to work at their own pace and level.

Wellbeing
How do school keep track of children’s additional needs?

Every school has a SEND register, which is a list of children at the school who have a Special Educational Need or Disability and need something additional to or different from their classmates above and beyond the scaffolds and adaptations made during everyday class teaching.

Accessibility & SEND
How do you cater to the individual needs of each student?

Our teachers adopt differentiated teaching and learning styles to cater to individual student needs. We believe in creating an environment that enables each child to work at their own pace and level.

Curriculum
How do you identify children with SEND?

We think of it as identifying children that have barriers to their learning and we do what we can to remove those barriers.

Accessibility & SEND
How do you implement your vision in the schools?

Our vision is implemented by creating learning environments that fosters self-confidence, positive growth mindset, independence, and motivation. We create an atmosphere where children feel safe, secure, happy, inspired and valued.

Christian Distinctiveness
How do you incorporate the ethos of "Growing together, learning for life"?

We encourage children to showcase their talents, to be proud of their achievements, and share their unique qualities with others. We also encourage supporting each other and model positive behaviours, ensure we can all live up to the "Growing together, learning for life" ethos.

How do you instil a sense of responsibility and independence in students?

We encourage children to be aware of their actions and take responsibility for them. We provide opportunities for them to make choices and decisions, fostering a sense of independence.

Behaviour & Bullying

Can't find the answer here?