How can education professionals support children born preterm?

5. Summary

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting children born preterm – every child is different. While some preterm children will need extra support in school, others may not. Try to identify each child’s unique strengths and limitations to guide selecting the most appropriate strategies to use with each individual child.

With the right support, every child can achieve their full potential.

Listen to the experiences and achievements of young adults who were born preterm by selecting the videos in the gallery.

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Katie

My name is Katie. I was born at 23 weeks. I am currently studying adult nursing at university, which is my greatest achievement, and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and walking my dogs.

Katherine

Hi my name’s Katherine and I’m 27 years old. I was born at 26 weeks of gestation, and my biggest achievements are getting a First at Undergraduate, a Distinction for my Masters and making a four-tiered wedding cake for my brother.

Louise

Hi my name’s Louise. I’m 35 and I was born at 25 weeks, weighing 1 pound 14 ounces. I now work for a software company, I’m fit and healthy, I run half-marathons, and I have a daughter, Madison, who’s 4, who weighed 8 pound 8 ounces.

George

Hi my name’s George O’Mahony and I was born in 1995, 24 weeks gestation, 16 weeks premature. I am now 22 years old and studying at Moorlands Bible College for a BA in Theology.

Dylan

Hi my name’s Dylan Evans. I am 22. I was born at 28 weeks and 5 days. I am currently a Mathematics and Physics student at the University of Manchester, and I enjoy playing wheelchair basketball.

Robert

Hi my name’s Robert Goodman, I’m the twin brother of Rebecca Goodman. I went to a mainstream primary and secondary school. During my years in secondary school, I struggled with mathematics. However, I progressed to Ulster University to complete a degree in Biomedical Science. I then progressed on to postgraduate study and achieved my PhD this year. I am currently working at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle in Haematology and Blood Transfusion.

Ben

I am 27 and I was born at 23 of weeks of gestation. I am now married and I’m currently studying for a PhD.

Nicola

I’m Nicola, I’m 28 and I was born 11 weeks early, and this year I’m doing a UK busking challenge where I’m raising money for charity, including the neonatal unit where I stayed as a baby.

Georgina

Hi there! My name’s Georgina. I was born 4 months premature in 1995. I am currently studying MA Classics and Ancient History at the University of Manchester.

Rebecca

Hi I’m Rebecca, I’m 27 years old and was born at 26 weeks gestation. As a result, I have cerebral palsy. I found I had to work harder for my education to achieve the same goals as others without a disability. I eventually progressed to university where I achieved a degree in Psychology and I’m now applying for a Masters.