Stand out from the crowd & be part of an innovative community

Find out today how you can get involved with the Moorland Federation. Whether that's as part of our growing team of teachers, support staff and volunteers or as a part of our partner or sponsorship programmes. We are always looking to develop links within the community and bring in innovation.

Moorland Federation Logo
Contact@moorlandfed.co.uk
+447947 994052
Dunster First School,
13 St George's Street,
Dunster,
Minehead,
TA24 6RX
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A boy skipping rope at St Dubricius First School Porlock
The Moorland Federation delivering expertise through shared knowledge

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Explore the Moorland Federation's FAQ page, where we answer commonly asked questions about our schools, events, educational approach, and commitment to inclusivity and high-quality education. Find the information you need to better understand our mission and vision for the success of every student.

Children in a Library at Dunster First School

Search & Filter Faqs

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Can my child wear jewellery in school?

We ask that pupils do not wear jewellery in school.

Uniform
School Day
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
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
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
Behaviour & Bullying
Equal Opportunities
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
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
Extra Curricular Activities
SEND
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
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
Curriculum
Behaviour & Bullying
Equal Opportunities
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.

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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
Equal Opportunities
How do you involve children with SEND in their own education?

In the Moorland Federation children are at the heart of everything we do. We always aim to include the child’s voice in any decision making.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
How do you know if the provision you have made for children with SEND is effective?

Through the APDR cycle, children with SEND are monitored and assessed according to their targets to ensure that the provision in place is effective.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
How does the Christian faith factor into your school ethos?

We provide an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief. We encourage pupils to respond to the Christian faith in such a way that it contributes to their spiritual, moral, cultural, and social development.

Christian Distinctiveness
Curriculum
Extra Curricular Activities
How does the school know how well my child is doing?

The class teacher focuses on including all children and breaking down any barriers to learning. In the Foundation Stage,there are regular observations and progress is tracked on the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
How will parents/carers of children with SEND be involved in their education?

We offer lots of opportunities to discuss your child’s progress. We encourage regular contact to discuss day-to-day occurrences with the class teacher and/or teaching assistants.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
How will you meet the needs of my child?

Teaching is carefully planned so that every child has access to learning. All children are expected to engage with their learning. Activities and learning are adapted to support learners achieve the appropriate outcomes. This might include pre-learning (introducing new vocabulary and key concepts before they are taught in class) and multi-sensory opportunities (using visual prompts, handling of objects / artefacts, songs / music) built into planning.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
How will you support my child to move onto their next school?

Children transfer from our schools at the end of Year 4, transition arrangements will be made with any school they transfer to. Children will have lots of opportunities to visit the school, to meet the staff and meet other children in their year group to prepare for their transfer.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
How will you support my child when they join the school?

For children joining the school in the Foundation Stage, Stay and Play transition sessions are offered to give children and their families an opportunity to meet staff and familiarise themselves with our school. In addition, the Foundation Stage Class Teacher will visit the local pre-schools and nurseries to meet the children and observe them in a familiar environment. For children who already have a professionally identified SEND, a school entry planning meeting (SEP) will be held, involving parents/carers, the child, and professionals from the previous setting and the school setting. All paperwork will be passed onto the school to help with a smooth transition.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
The school my child has been offered does not have a good Ofsted rating. Can I refuse the school place?

Generally speaking, appeal panels will not accept a school’s Ofsted rating as a reason why a child should or should not attend a particular school. You will need to demonstrate why your child’s needs outweigh the prejudice caused to the school by accepting another pupil. We advise parents to accept the place they have been offered and/or locate another school even if they do not get their preferred option to ensure your child has a school place.

Admissions
Attendance
The school my child has been offered is too far away, It is a good school but I will struggle to get my child to school as I do not drive. What should I do?

If the school you have been allocated is the nearest qualifying school with places available that provides education appropriate to the age, ability and aptitude of your child and it is outside of the statutory walking distance then your child may qualify for free school transport.

Admissions
Attendance
What do I do if I feel my child with SEND is not being supported?

In the first instance it is very important to talk to your child’s class teacher about the support and provision in place for your child and work together to alleviate any concerns.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
What do I do if my child is late to school?

Take child to the main office and sign them in on the computer and inform our administrator. The child can then go to class.

School Day
General
Attendance
What do I do if my child is prescribed medication?

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.

Medical
Health & Safety
What is ADHD?

What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

SEND
Accessibility & SEND
Key Information
What is Dyspraxia?

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.

SEND
Accessibility & SEND
Key Information
What is dyscalculia?

What is dyscalculia? Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder that is characterised by impairments in learning basic arithmetic facts, processing numerial magnitude and performing accurate and fluent calculations.

SEND
Accessibility & SEND
Key Information
What is dyslexia?

What is dyslexia? Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that can affect reading, writing and spelling. People with dyslexia often have good skills in other areas, such as creativity and problem solving skills.

SEND
Accessibility & SEND
Key Information
What is the Generation Exmoor project?

Generation Exmoor is our premier outdoor learning initiative, developed in partnership with Exford C of E First School, Cutcombe C of E First School and the Exmoor National Park Authority. The program brings our KS2 students into the heart of Exmoor National Park to learn and explore in a natural setting.

Outdoor Learning
Curriculum
Sustainability
What is the Moorland Federation's overall vision?

Our vision is to provide a secure, caring environment in which every child is given equal opportunity to reach their full potential. We believe in the holistic development of a child, emphasizing self-esteem, mutual respect, and co-operation.

Christian Distinctiveness
Equal Opportunities
Behaviour & Bullying
What kind of relationships do you encourage children to form?

We aim to provide an environment where children develop skills to work collaboratively with others, are sensitive to each other's needs, and have the confidence to form positive and respectful relationships.

Wellbeing
Behaviour & Bullying
Equal Opportunities
What kinds of SEND does the school provide for?

We are a mainstream first school that will cater for the needs of all children wishing to attend, regardless of their specific needs. All the Moorland Federation schools are supported to be as inclusive as possible and will welcome your child and aim to meet their needs in our mainstream setting.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
What support will there be for my child’s overall wellbeing?

The wellbeing of our pupils is a priority for the Moorland Federation. All schools have a culture with wellbeing at the heart of decision making. We have a range of varied opportunities for children to understand the importance of their own wellbeing and support their needs as required, along side our policies and comprehensive specialised staff training.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND
Where can I find more information about what is available for children with SEND in the Local Authority?

The Local Offer sets out in one place information about provision that the local authority expects to be available across education, health and social care for children with SEND.

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Who do I go to if I am worried about my child?

Your first point of contact for all SEND queries is your child’s class teacher. Your child’s class teacher will listen to any concerns you may have and give support and advice on how best you can support your child.

SEND
Accessibility & SEND
Will my child be able to access all of the activities at school?

We believe in full equality for all children and, as such, all children are enabled to participate in all school activities where appropriate.

Accessibility & SEND
SEND

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Our commitment to the environment

Sustainability is it at the heart of not only where we are positioned in Exmoor but also the beliefs of our community. Through our programmes we promote environmental stewardship and sustainability through conservation, recycling and waste reduction education.