PUTTING social and emotional and support for youngsters firmly on the timetable has helped Dunster First School scoop a prestigious award.

The school is one of only four in Somerset to receive the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) of Approval award in recognition of the high quality social and emotional provision and support for pupils.

The curriculum resource aims to develop the underpinning qualities and skills that help promote positive behaviour and effective learning.

It focuses on five social and emotional aspects of learning - self-awareness, managing feelings, motivation, empathy and social skills - helping children to develop skills such as understanding another's point of view, sticking at things when they get difficult, resolving conflict and managing worries.

Headteacher Peter Hoyland said teacher Shelley Payne was the school's SEAL co-ordinator.

Over the past three years she has led the implementation of the special curriculum and now supports other schools in the county with it.

"SEAL has made a significant contribution to our whole school ethos and is one of the reasons why in our last Ofsted inspection in 2010 the effectiveness of the care, guidance and support provided for children was judges as being outstanding."