Find information about primary schools and educational support for children aged 5 to 11 years.
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What is primary school?
Primary school education begins in the UK at age 5 and continues until age 11. It comprising key stages 1 and 2 under the UK educational system.
Some primary schools are split up into Infant and Junior levels. These are usually separate schools on the same site.
- Infant school (key stage 1) is for ages between 5 to 7 years. Infant schools form the first part of a child's primary education.
- Junior school (key stage 2) is for ages between 7 to 11 years. Junior schools form the second part of a child's primary education.
What do children learn at primary school?
All local authority maintained primary schools have to follow the national curriculum. This is a set of subjects and standards so all children learn the same things, which includes English, maths and science.
Learn more about the national curriculum (GOV.UK)
Other types of school like academies and private schools do not have to follow the national curriculum. However, they must teach a broad and balanced curriculum including English, maths and science.
Assessments and tests
All children in primary schools in England will take part in different assessments and tests, which include:
- Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA)
- Phonics screening check
- SATs
For more about these assessments and tests, go to National curriculum assessments: information for parents (GOV.UK)
Special educational needs support
Children learn at different rates and so a child may experience learning difficulties at some point in their time at school. This is not unusual. For most children the difficulties are temporary and are soon overcome with help and encouragement from home and school.
The term 'Special Educational Needs (SEN)' is used to describe learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for children to learn than most children of the same age.
Children with SEN are likely to need extra or different help from that given to other children their age.
For more information, including the support that can be provided to children with SEN, go to our Support for special educational needs page
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
A SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) is a teacher who coordinates the provision for children with special educational needs or disabilities in schools.
They will work together with parents to provide the best possible support for children with SEN and if needed will bring in specialists to work with children in mainstream school.
The SENCO will provide advice and guidance for the family to help them with their child's learning and development.
SEN information report
Each mainstream primary school, will have it's own website where you can find a copy of the school SEN information report, which includes details of the support they offer to children and young people with special educational needs.
Applying for a school place
Apply for a school place through the School Admissions Hub.
The School Admissions Hub lets you view details for primary, infant, junior and secondary schools in Nottinghamshire and gives information on catchment areas, how places are allocated, advice on choosing a school and when to apply for a school place.
Go to the School Admissions Hub (Nottinghamshire County Council)
Search for a primary school
Find details of primary schools in Nottinghamshire in the SEND Local Offer: Primary schools directory listings