Welcome to EYFS at The Mill Primary Academy

Welcome to our EYFS page, where you can find information about starting at our school and ways to support your child’s learning journey.

At The Mill Primary Academy, we have three reception classes in our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside our fourth classroom - our large outdoor area, accessible to all children.

We believe the EYFS is a fundamental part of children’s learning journey. From the moment they step into our classrooms, children are given opportunities for personal and academic growth. Our approach is guided by our school vision: Forever Proud. Everyone. Everything. Always.

Our curriculum promotes learning through play alongside structured adult-led activities, following the EYFS statutory framework. Classrooms are tailored to children’s interests while ensuring coverage of all areas of learning. During free-flow times, children have access to all four classrooms, allowing them to socialise and learn with the whole cohort.

Our Classrooms

Classroom 1 – Art and Imagination

• Art Wall: Junk modelling and painting to develop creativity and fine motor skills.

• Themed Role Play Corner: Imaginative play that changes each term — from a doctor’s surgery to a post office or hair salon.

Classroom 2 – Reading, Construction, and Investigation

• Reading Corner: Cosy space to develop a love of books and storytelling.

• Small World & Block Play: Build, create, and act out ideas, fostering social and problem-solving skills.

• Science & Investigation Area: Inspire curiosity through observation, questioning, and experimentation.

Classroom 3 – Sensory Play and Domestic Role Play

• Sand & Water Area: Encourage exploration, problem-solving, and early scientific thinking.

• Play Dough Table: Build creativity and fine motor skills through moulding and imaginative play.

• Domestic Role Play Corner: Act out familiar experiences to boost confidence, communication, and social understanding.

Outdoor Classroom – Learning on a Larger Scale

Our garden provides a dynamic environment for exploration, creativity, and physical development:

• Sand Tray & Water Investigation Station: Sensory exploration and scientific enquiry.

• Mud Kitchen & Building Shed: Creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving through open-ended play.

• Role Play Area: Children lead imaginative play, transforming the space into a café, doctor’s surgery, or family home.

• Gardening Area: Hands-on experiences caring for plants and growing flowers and vegetables.

• Gross Motor Play: Bikes, scooters, climbing frame, chalk drawing, and large-scale painting.

Every area is designed to support physical development, creativity, independence, and a connection with the natural world.

EYFS Areas of Learning

Prime Areas

• Communication and language

• Physical development

• Personal, social and emotional development

Specific Areas

• Maths

• Literacy

• Understanding the world

• Expressive arts and design

Phonics in EYFS

We introduce children to phonics through engaging, structured sessions, helping them develop early reading and writing skills. Children learn to recognise sounds, blend words, and begin to read simple texts.

Maths in EYFS

Our approach to maths encourages curiosity and problem-solving through hands-on, practical activities. Children explore numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements in both structured lessons and play-based learning.

Supporting Independence Before Starting School

Before starting school, we encourage families to focus on helping children become confident and independent in everyday tasks:

• Toileting independently

• Recognising their own name

• Getting dressed and undressed independently

• Managing their own belongings

• Mark making and holding equipment correctly

• Writing their name in lowercase letters

• Using a knife and fork independently

• Putting on their coat and fastening zips

Fostering these skills at home supports a smooth transition into school life and boosts children’s confidence.