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What says..

Outdoor work is an integral part of the curriculum, with everyone in the prep doing more than an hour’s work outside every week – everything from planting trees and bulbs and growing fruit and vegetables (including pumpkins, runner beans, garlic and raspberries) to beekeeping and looking after the guinea pigs, chickens and ducks. ‘It’s always work-based,’ says the head of outdoor work. ‘Children are a lot more willing to try things outside…’

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What the school says...

Dunhurst is the prep school to Bedales, set within the same grounds a few minutes walk from the main school. Founded in 1905, Dunhurst remains a forward-thinking school where academic rigour sits alongside passionate pastoral care. Children are encouraged to work independently. The school has a strong reputation for sciences, drama, art and music and for producing well-rounded and confident children. Bedales Pre-prep School, Dunannie sits alongside the Prep School and caters from 2 years 9 months in the Nursery to age 8. Dunannie is the starting point for the Bedales approach to education. Described as “an outpost of heaven down the road”, Dunannie inspires children by learning through doing in a community based on mutual respect. ...Read more

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Other features

All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.

What The Good Schools Guide says

Head

At Dunhurst since 2017, Colin Baty BEd NPQH. Education degree from Waikato University in New Zealand. Comes from a family of teachers – grandfather, father and brother all heads and his mother is a retired teacher. Originally worked in business but he taught swimming and cricket in his spare time and was told, ‘You should be a teacher.’ Taught in New Zealand for four years, then decided to travel the world for two years – known in New Zealand as OE (overseas experience). During his travels he worked at Bryanston for a term, then at Bedales, where a three-week stint turned into six years. He later became deputy head of Moreton Hall Prep and head of Great Walstead Prep. Married to Debbie, who is head of wellbeing at Dunhurst, and they have three children,...

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Special Education Needs

The Academic Support Department at Bedales Prep School, Dunhurst, aims to ensure that every pupil achieves the highest standards possible through tailoring learning to individual need, interest and aptitude. Support is provided for pupils who, whilst able to access the school curriculum, may need extra help due to a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, or a lack of confidence in a particular aspect of their work. Teaching and learning strategies are matched closely to the individual’s needs and are designed to build confidence and self-esteem. Support can be given in a variety of ways including, on a one-to-one basis, in a small group and within the classroom. The department is staffed by experienced, specialist teachers who all hold additional qualifications to cater for pupils with a range of needs.

Condition Provision for in school
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Y
Aspergers Y
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders Y
CReSTeD registered for Dyslexia
Dyscalculia Y
Dysgraphia Y
Dyslexia Y
Dyspraxia Y
English as an additional language (EAL) Y
Genetic
Has an entry in the Autism Services Directory
Has SEN unit or class
HI - Hearing Impairment
Hospital School
Mental health
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment
Natspec Specialist Colleges
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability
Other SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Y
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Y
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty
Special facilities for Visually Impaired
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty
VI - Visual Impairment

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