We know that starting nursery or school can be a big step in the journey for families after neonatal care, and many parents worry about the lasting impact of premature birth.

Research tells us that children born prematurely are more likely to have poorer academic attainment and special educational needs compared to their classmates born at full term. While we know that those born extremely preterm (before 28 weeks’ gestation) are most likely to need extra support, research also highlights that children born just a few weeks early may still face difficulties at school.

The cognitive and learning difficulties most commonly associated with premature birth include slower processing speeds, difficulties with memory, poorer visual-spatial skills, attention difficulties and struggles with mathematics.

With an average of two to three children in every classroom being born early, we know that early years staff and teachers can play a crucial role in supporting and making a difference to the lives of children born prematurely.

The Smallest Things is a registered charity supporting the needs of premature babies and their families following neonatal intensive care. The charity, run entirely by volunteers who have had premature babies themselves, is dedicated to making the world a better place for premature babies and their families.

Every year 60,000 babies in the UK are born premature (prior to 37 weeks’ gestation) and make up 46 per cent of babies requiring admission to specialist Neonatal Intensive Care Units1 . This is around 7% of births2 .

• To improve awareness and understanding of the lasting effects preterm birth can have on education and learning.

• To reassure parents that schools are aware of and compassionate to the potential needs of children born preterm

• To support early identification and timely support, improving the long-term outcomes for children born preterm.

• To enable teachers to have the skills and knowledge to best support children in their class who were born preterm.

If you have any concerns you'd like to raise with Bliss (the UK neonatal charity)—whether about their services, support, or anything else—here’s how you can reach them:

Phone: 020 7378 1122

Email: hello@bliss.org.uk

Alternatively, please feel free to speak to our schools ambassador Miss Wilson (Year 4 class Teacher and mum of a premature baby) who is always available for a chat or to discuss how your child can be supported.