An 'Infant school' is a type of
school which caters for young children, usually between the ages of 4 and 7. In the
United Kingdom it is usually a small school serving a particular locality.
An infant school forms part of the local pattern of provision for
primary education. In England infant schools cater for pupils aged 4 to 5 in a reception class (equivalent to an American
kindergarten). Pupils then transfer to Year 1 in the September following their fifth birthday, and to Year 2 the following year. These two years form
Key Stage 1 in the
English education system. At the end of this time, most pupils will move to a linked
junior school, although some may move to a through
primary school.
The introduction of the
School Standards and Framework Act 1998 [1] meant that classes in infant schools in
England and
Wales are limited to no more than 30 children per school teacher.
In some areas of England, provision of education at this age is made in
First schools catering for pupils aged up to 8 or 9.
See also
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Education in the United Kingdom
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Primary education
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Primary school
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Junior school
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First school