Dunster First School
Welcome to Dunster First School, a haven of learning nestled in the picturesque medieval village of Dunster in Somerset, UK.
Class Pages
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
Contact us
Our Senior Leadership Team
Our team of leaders creating an inclusive and diverse workforce dedicated to delivering excellence
Head Of School - Dunster | Designated Safeguarding Lead
Executive Headteacher for the Moorland Federation | Designated Federation Safeguarding Lead
Federation Business Manager | Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Federation Business Manager | Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Central Business Administrator | PA to Executive Head | Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Children with Superpowers
Understanding and providing adequate care and support for children with different abilities and levels of education is a key part of our mission to deliver excellence across the federation. All our schools are setup to ensure the highest level of care for those with disabilities, special education needs and assisted learning.
FAQs
See our frequently asked questions across a range of subjects from everyday school attendance to special trips, extra curricular activities and admissions.
If your child needs to have medication at school you must complete a form at the school office. We ask that medication at school is kept to a minimum and if antibiotics are prescribed for less than four times a day we suggest this can be organised out of school time. All medication held on school premises is kept locked and secure.
What is Dyspraxia? Dyspraxia is a form of development coordination disorder (DCD) affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.
Can't find the answer here?
Latest News
Keep up with all the latest news articles, guides and insights from around the Moorland Federation.