Free event aims to help educators support prematurely born children in their settings

Free event aims to help educators support prematurely born children in their settings

Professor Samantha Johnson

Early years staff and educators are being invited to join a free event to help them better understand a premature child's potential learning needs.

The online webinar will be hosted by the University of Leicester in partnership with The Smallest Things, a charity which supports families after neonatal intensive care and seeks to improve the long-term outcomes of children born prematurely. It will take place on Monday 16 June from 10.30am to 12.15pm.

In the UK alone, around 50,000 babies are born preterm each year - before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm babies are at higher risk of learning difficulties than babies who were born after a full term pregnancy. Although not all preterm babies will go on to have additional needs, some may require extra support at school and in the early years.

Samantha Johnson, Professor of Child Development at the University, who is co-hosting the webinar, said: "Our research has shown that children born prematurely can have difficulties with problem solving and processing information, as well as physical, social and emotional needs. These can be evident from the early years, but our research has helped identify strategies that can be used to support them."

"This webinar is a chance to find out more about the new, free online training module 'Supporting prematurely born children in the early years'. As well as hearing about the latest research into the lasting impact premature birth may have on children's learning and development, the event will help equip carers and educators such as preschool staff, nursery staff, health visitors, and community child health workers in supporting the needs of prematurely born children and their families."

Catriona Ogilvy, Founder and Director of The Smallest Things, said: "Starting nursery or school can be a significant milestone for families following neonatal care, and many parents worry about the lasting impact of premature birth. Having early years practitioners and educators who are equipped to recognise when a child may need additional support and who have the training to put the right strategies in place gives parents confidence and can help children born prematurely thrive.

"This webinar is a chance to find out more about the new Early Years training module and to hear first-hand from early years settings who have been awarded with the Smallest Things 'Prem Aware' award, having taken steps to support children born prematurely within their settings."

Book your place on the free 'Supporting children and families in the pre-school years' webinar taking place on Monday 16 June from 10.30am to 12.15pm.