Light Oaks Infant School, Salford

Ofsted's report card from its 7 July 2026 inspection grades Light Oaks Infant School on 7 areas: 3 expected standard and 4 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed an early years curriculum that is ambitious for all."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have created an inclusive ethos."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders provide a well-planned programme for personal development and wellbeing that reflects the school's values."

Achievement - Needs attention. "Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, typically achieve well in reading and mathematics."

Attendance and behaviour - Needs attention. "Some pupils do not attend school as regularly as they should."

Curriculum and teaching - Needs attention. "The curriculum is usually taught well in subjects, such as English and mathematics."

Leadership and governance - Needs attention. "While leaders have identified the right priorities, some of their plans to address the weaknesses in the teaching of some subjects have not been implemented as quickly as they should."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that the curriculum sets out the knowledge that pupils will learn, and when they will learn it, with greater precision, so that teachers are able to plan activities that help pupils to learn more and remember more"; "Leaders should continue to refine their work to improve pupils' attendance and to reduce persistent absence, so that pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, attend school as regularly as they should"; "Leaders should take timely action to ensure that the weaknesses in teaching in some subjects are dealt with quickly and effectively"; "Governors should ensure that they have the information they need to support and challenge leaders appropriately in areas where the school's work needs improvement".

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of everyone at Light Oaks Infant School, I should like to extend a very warm welcome to you and your family. Light Oaks Infant School is a place where excellence combines with enjoyment and fun. Everyone is encouraged to develop and sustain a thirst for lifelong learning in our ever-changing world."

The school runs after-school care.

Coming up: an open day on Monday 23 November 2026 at 4pm. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

For September 2026 entry, 69 families put Light Oaks Infant School as their first choice and 122 named it as one of their preferences, for 78 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Light Oaks Infant School are Light Oaks Junior School (under 0.1 miles, Good, 75% reading, 82% maths); St Luke's RC Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 75% reading, 76% maths); St John's CofE Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 77% reading, 77% maths); and St Luke's CofE Primary School (0.6 miles).

15.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 53 pupils (20.8%) received SEN support and 4 (1.6%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Light Oaks Infant School had 16 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest tram or metro stop is Ladywell (Manchester Metrolink), about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Light Oaks School (outside), 40 metres away.

In 2024/25, Light Oaks Infant School issued 1 suspension, 0.3 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Light Oaks Infant School are All Hallows RC High School (0.4 miles), Ellesmere Park High School (0.6 miles) and Buile Hill Academy (0.7 miles).