Our Personal Development Offer

At The Mill, we are committed to helping every child develop the character, confidence and skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. Our Personal Development offer supports children’s social, emotional, physical and wider personal growth through a wide range of structured, well-planned learning experiences. These opportunities are designed to strengthen character, encourage ambition, celebrate individual strengths and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Across the school, all pupils benefit from high-quality PSHE and RSE teaching which can be found here, assemblies, enrichment, leadership roles, outdoor learning and community engagement. In addition, we offer targeted provision to ensure that children who need extra support or stretch receive it at the right time.

Below is an overview of the key strands within our offer.

Learning Without Walls

What is it?
A practical, outdoor learning programme that takes place in our on-site woodland area. Children learn through exploration, nature tasks, problem solving and teamwork.

Who is it for?
All children access Forest School during their journey at The Mill; targeted groups may take part more regularly based on need.

How often / delivery
Delivered by trained staff, sessions run weekly or in half-term blocks across the year.

Impact / Benefits

• Builds confidence and resilience
   

• Enhances communication and teamwork
   

• Encourages independence and responsibility
   

• Supports emotional regulation and wellbeing

NEST 

What is it?
A calm, supportive lunchtime club where children can receive emotional support and develop self-regulation skills in a safe environment.

Who is it for?
Pupils who need additional support managing emotions, building confidence, or developing social skills.

How often / delivery
Runs daily at lunchtime, led by trained staff, providing a consistent and nurturing space for children.

Impact / Benefits

• Helps children manage emotions and regulate behaviour
   

• Strengthens social skills and confidence
   

• Provides a calm, safe environment to be successful

Millers Radio

What is it?
A student-led broadcasting project where children plan, script, produce and host podcasts and radio content. Pupils can share their ideas, stories or special talents with the school and wider community – whether it’s a passion, a performance, or just something wonderful they want others to hear.

Who is it for?
Open to any pupil interested in speaking, presenting, storytelling, media or sharing ideas.

How often / delivery
Regular timetabled sessions led by staff, with podcasts aired throughout the school and shared with the wider community via our newsletter.

Impact / Benefits

• Builds confidence, communication and presentation skills
   

• Encourages creativity and teamwork
   

• Gives pupils a platform to share their ideas and talents with the school and local community

Sport

What is it?
A wide-ranging sports programme that gives children the opportunity to try new activities, develop skills, and enjoy physical activity. Our offer includes traditional team sports, creative movement, and specialist activities, such as parkour.

Who is it for?
All pupils are encouraged to participate, with additional support provided where needed to ensure every child can access clubs and activities.

How often / delivery
Sports clubs run throughout the school year, led by staff and specialist coaches. Pupils have opportunities to attend competitions and events both within school and against other schools. Where necessary, the school provides funding to support children’s participation.

Impact / Benefits

• Develops physical skills, fitness, coordination, and wellbeing

• Builds teamwork, resilience, and fair play

• Encourages participation, confidence, and a love of sport

• Provides opportunities to compete, achieve, and celebrate successes

Bike Shed

What is it?
A cross-school engineering and cycling project run across three schools. Children learn how to diagnose faults and repair bikes, developing practical skills alongside safe cycling competencies.

Who is it for?
Accessible for all pupils, with some targeted sessions for children who may benefit from hands-on learning, confidence-building or physical development.

How often / delivery
Regular sessions across the year delivered by trained adults and project partners.

Impact / Benefits

• Builds mechanical and problem-solving skills
   

• Improves coordination, cycling confidence and safety awareness
   

• Encourages teamwork, resilience and pride in practical achievement
   

Room 13 Art Studio

What is it?
A working art studio based in school and guided by a professional artist, Janey. Children take ownership of the studio, make creative decisions, and lead real projects.

Who is it for?
Children across the school who show interest, creativity or leadership in art and design.

How often / delivery
Run twice weekly by a resident artist, with children taking part in projects and commissions throughout the year.

Impact / Benefits

• Builds artistic skill, expression and creativity
   

• Develops entrepreneurial skills through fundraising and commissions
   

• Promotes independent decision-making and creative leadership
   

Pupil Leadership

What is it?
Meaningful opportunities for children to lead, influence and shape school life. Leadership roles reflect increasing responsibility as children progress through school.

Roles include:

• School Council
   

• Head Boys and Head Girls
   

• ECO Council
   

• Wellbeing Ambassadors
   

• Room 13 Committee
   

• Sports and Play Leaders
   

Who is it for?
Children across all year groups, with roles offered through application, selection or election.

How often / delivery
Leadership groups meet regularly, contribute to school initiatives and influence real decisions.

Impact / Benefits

• Develops confidence, maturity and responsibility
   

• Strengthens communication, teamwork and advocacy
   

• Ensures pupil voice is central to school improvement
   

Music

What is it?
A rich music offer that allows children to experience performance, creativity and progression in music.

Opportunities include:

• A school choir
   

• Multiple rock bands
   

• A scholarship programme for musical instrument tuition, funded by the school
   

Who is it for?
Available to pupils with interest or talent in music, with support to ensure participation is accessible to all.

How often / delivery
Weekly rehearsals, music lessons and performance opportunities throughout the year.

Impact / Benefits

• Builds confidence, discipline and creativity
   

• Develops musicality, collaboration and perseverance
   

• Provides exciting opportunities for public performance and progression
   

Together, these strands ensure that every pupil at The Mill is supported to develop character, ambition and the personal skills needed for success in the next stage of their education and in life.