Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 3 to 7
Ofsted: Good

Shorrock Lane, Blackburn, BB2 4TTOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery is a primary school in Blackburn for ages 3 to 7. It is one of the 88 schools in Blackburn with Darwen. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2016.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 4 October 2016, report published 7 November 2016

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 December 2022

Pupils skip happily into school each day. There is always a member of staff to welcome them warmly as they arrive. Pupils who are new settle in very quickly, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children in the early years develop confidence because they feel secure. Parents had many positive things to say about the school. Leaders and staff want pupils to try their best at all times, both in their work and in their behaviour. Right from the start, children learn how to listen carefully and to be 'ready for learning'. Pupils stay focused on their lessons because teachers know how to make learning interesting. All of this helps pupils to achieve well, including those with SEND. Pupils understand the school rules and follow them well. For example, they know that running is for outdoors, whereas indoors, they must walk quietly. Even when exciting things happen, such as a visit from Father Christmas, they behave sensibly. Pupils feel happy and safe. Adults put a swift stop to bullying should it ever occur. There are plenty of opportunities for pupils' wider development. For example, pupils can take on special responsibilities as school council members, or as lunchtime helpers. They contribute to community life when they sing in the local supermarket. Pupils learn about diversity and difference in ways that are appropriate to their age. Pupils feel and are safe in school.

What the school should improve

  • In a small number of subjects, the curriculum does not provide enough opportunities for pupils to make connections between their current learning and their earlier learning. This prevents pupils from developing a deep understanding of key concepts in these subjects. Leaders must ensure that in all subjects, the curriculum helps pupils to understand key ideas so that they can apply their knowledge in an increasing range of situations.

Pupil numbers and mix

169 pupils on roll, with places for 180

Eligible for free school meals32%

32%, 5.5 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language18.3%

18.3%, 3.3 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support24.9%

24.9%, 10.1 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan9.5%

9.5%, 3.5 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Meadowhead Junior School0.1 milesOfsted: Good40% met the expected standard
St Aidan's Primary School - A Church of England Academy0.4 milesOfsted judgements: Good23% met the expected standard
St Peter's Roman Catholic Primary School, Blackburn0.4 milesOfsted judgements: Good56% met the expected standard
Griffin Park Primary School0.7 milesOfsted: Good75% met the expected standard
Livesey Saint Francis' Church of England School0.8 milesOfsted: Good60% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
3 to 7
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mr James Waddington
Address
Shorrock Lane, Blackburn, BB2 4TT
Local authority
Blackburn with Darwen
URN
119122

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.