infant school

A UK school taking children from the age of 5 up to 7 or 8. In areas with middle schools, such schools are sometimes known as first schools.

An Infant school is a type of school which caters for young children, usually between the ages of 4 and 7.

An infant school forms part of the local pattern of provision for primary education. 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 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.