An Infant school is a term used primarily in England and Wales. This for the education of children between the ages of four and seven years*. It is usually a small school serving a particular area. An infant school forms part of local education provision giving primary education. In England and Wales children start at infant school between the ages of four and five in a Reception class. They sometimes attend part-time (mornings only or afternoons only) for the first term. Reception is not compulsory. (*The actual age of pupils transferring into Infant School 'Year One', is dependent on when their birthday is within the academic year. They join in the September following their birthday).