Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery, BLACKBURN

Ofsted's report card from its 22 September 2026 inspection grades Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery on 7 areas: 4 expected standard and 3 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders ensure that the school's curriculum is broad and meets the needs of all pupils from the early years to the end of Year 2."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders ensure that children get off to a positive start to their education from the moment they join the Nursery or Reception classes."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders ensure that an inclusive culture permeates all aspects of the life of the school."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders ensure that the school's extra-curricular offer broadens pupils' experiences."

Achievement - Needs attention. "Many pupils achieve well across the curriculum."

Attendance and behaviour - Needs attention. "Over time, leaders have improved the attendance of some pupils who were identified as being persistently absent."

Leadership and governance - Needs attention. "Leaders have an accurate view of the school's strengths and improvement priorities."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue with their work to improve pupils' attendance so that pupils' absence rates reduce"; "Leaders should ensure that teaching across the curriculum strengthens pupils' depth of understanding, particularly in writing, so that they are prepared for key stage 2"; "Leaders, including governors, should ensure that they review the impact of their strategic work".

In its own words: "Please refer to the tabs on the right hand side for information about our school."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Although it will give you an idea of school life at Meadowhead Infant School, you are most welcome to contact the school office for more information. We are very proud of our happy, nurturing school."

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care.

For September 2026 entry, 34 families put Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery as their first choice and 64 named it as one of their preferences, for 41 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 Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery are Meadowhead Junior School (0.1 miles, Good, 60% reading, 57% maths); St Aidan's Primary School - A Church of England Academy (0.4 miles, Good, 38% reading, 50% maths); St Peter's Roman Catholic Primary School, Blackburn (0.4 miles, Good, 71% reading, 68% maths); and Griffin Park Primary School (0.7 miles, Good, 79% reading, 89% maths).

In 2026, 42 pupils (24.9%) received SEN support and 16 (9.5%) 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.

Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery had 9 teachers in 2026, one for every 14 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Mill Hill (Lancs) Rail Station, about 570 metres away (roughly a 7-minute walk).

14 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Kings Road Jersey St (by), 150 metres away.

Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery are St Bede's Roman Catholic High School, Blackburn (0.5 miles); and Witton Park Academy (0.8 miles).