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Nursery at Mill Hill Primary Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and early phonics give Mill Hill’s nursery its character. Children can start from as early as the term after their third birthday, joining the school’s early years provision in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent. The emphasis is on building confidence and independence through children’s interests, with adults guiding learning alongside opportunities for children to choose their own activities.
At the Ofsted inspection on 6 and 7 December 2023, early years provision was rated Outstanding. This judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Adult-guided activities sit alongside play that children initiate themselves. Staff use children’s interests and individual learning needs to plan their next steps, so practical exploration has a purpose. Children have opportunities to investigate indoors and outdoors, with learning spaces available for independent discovery as well as directed activities.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of development. In parent terms, that means learning to communicate, manage feelings and relationships, and develop physical skills, alongside early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. Play and practical experiences connect these areas rather than treating each as an isolated lesson. Festivals and celebrations also form part of the experiences children encounter.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the phonics programme, beginning in Nursery. Books and making marks introduce children to reading and writing, while speaking and listening receive sustained attention. Science also begins through play: children explore ideas, ask questions and investigate. These are concrete beginnings for later learning.
In December 2023, adults gave communication and language particular attention; children sustained concentration and discussed their learning articulately. For parents, the significant detail is the connection between doing and talking: children were able to explain what they were learning.
WISH, the academy’s hub for welfare, inclusion and SEND, extends support beyond classroom learning. Its Reflection Zone gives children somewhere to pause and talk through difficulties, while intervention rooms accommodate individual support, including SEND provision and help with emotional needs. A Food Pantry supports school families needing essential food items. These are school-wide resources, distinct from nursery meals.
For children with additional needs, the school monitors development and wellbeing, discusses SEND registration with parents and agrees support with them. Progress is reviewed regularly. The SENCO and assistant SENCO coordinate provision, with specialist involvement where appropriate, including speech and language therapists and the Early Years Forum. This gives families a route for discussing concerns and planning support together.
Class Dojo connects parents with teachers through messages, photographs and videos of classroom activities. It gives families a way to keep in touch with their child’s learning between conversations with staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is the route for admissions information.
Treat that application as a separate decision from choosing the nursery. Familiarity with the school does not itself secure the next place.
The nursery is at Mill Hill Primary Academy on Sunnyside Avenue, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6ED. Families can contact the academy reception on 01782 234466 or use the school’s enquiry form.
Tours with the Head of Academy can be arranged through the school office. A tour provides an opportunity to see the setting before choosing it.
Children can enter the early years provision from as early as the term after their third birthday.
The EYFS combines adult-guided activities with children’s own play, indoors and outdoors. Nursery phonics begins with Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised.
The SENCO, assistant SENCO and WISH team coordinate support with families. Specialist professionals can be involved where appropriate.
Yes. Contact the school office on 01782 234466 to arrange a tour with the Head of Academy.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Use Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s admissions information for the applicable route and deadline.
