Preterm Birth Information for Education Professionals

Welcome to the Preterm Birth Information for Education Professionals home page. These five learning resources have been developed to improve your knowledge and confidence in supporting prematurely born children in the classroom.

Please navigate through the resources by selecting each image below.

What is preterm birth?

1. What is preterm birth? [opens in new window]

Learning outcomes:

  • To define preterm birth
  • To understand that the more preterm a baby is born, the greater the risk of developmental problems later in life

Educational outcomes following preterm birth

2. Educational outcomes following preterm birth [opens in new window]

Learning outcomes:

  • To understand that children born preterm are at risk of special educational needs and poor academic attainment
  • To identify which school subjects children born preterm are most likely to struggle with

Cognitive and motor development following preterm birth

3. Cognitive and motor development following preterm birth [opens in new window]

Learning outcomes:

  • To understand that children born preterm may have difficulties with IQ, processing speed, working memory, and hand-eye coordination
  • To understand how these difficulties may impact on learning

Behavioural, social and emotional outcomes following preterm birth

4. Behavioural, social and emotional outcomes following preterm birth [opens in new window]

Learning outcomes:

  • To understand that children born preterm may be withdrawn, anxious, and inattentive, and have difficulties developing relationships with their peers
  • To understand that children born preterm don’t tend to be disruptive so their needs may be overlooked in the classroom

How can education professionals support preterm children?

5. How can education professionals support preterm children? [opens in new window]

Learning outcomes:

  • To understand what kind of strategies might be helpful for supporting children born preterm
  • To understand that preterm birth is a risk factor and an individual assessment is always necessary to provide appropriate support

This resource was developed by the PRISM Study team:

  • Professor Samantha Johnson (University of Leicester)
  • Dr Sarah Clayton (University of Leicester)
  • Dr Lucy Cragg (University of Nottingham)
  • Dr Camilla Gilmore (Loughborough University)
  • Dr Rose Griffiths (University of Leicester)
  • Professor Neil Marlow (University College London)
  • Dr Victoria Simms (Ulster University)
  • Professor Heather Wharrad (University of Nottingham)
University of Leicester
University of Nottingham
Loughborough University
University College London
Ulster University