Barry Carpenter Education

Tag: Prematurity

  • Preterm children need special attention in school

    On average a primary school class will have four children born preterm, and many of them will have reduced cognitive capacity, social and behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities. Up to 70% of very preterm babies will require special educational needs services. But according to the National Forum for Neuroscience in Special Education, reported in an article in the latest issue of Children & Young People Now, few teachers are aware of this.

    Barry Carpenter, visiting professor at the University of Worcester, is studying the educational outcomes and needs of preterm children in special schools, in partnership with SSAT and premature babies charity Bliss. He says addressing the educational needs of preterm children has become more urgent as advances in medical science have boosted survival rates – from 23% in 2000 to 63% today.

    Vision is one sensory area that tends to get damaged. So teachers need to be aware that these children’s visual processing – the ability to read and decode – can be delayed, as can their language development.

    SSAT will share the findings from Barry Carpenter’s studies in special schools for the benefit of mainstream schools, for example with a families workshop to share the strategies schools can use to meet this group’s needs. Stay informed by signing up to SSAT’s SEN e-forum.

  • ‘Narrow the Gap’ for Preterm Children

    An article from ‘Children and Young People Now’ about the changes needed to teaching to support premature babies.

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  • Statement on Educational Rights of Children Born Prematurely Launched.

    On Tuesday 14th May, 2013, as part of a seminar in the Houses of Parliament, Professor Carpenter, co founder of the National Forum for Neuroscience in Special Education, launched a Statement on behalf of the Forum, calling for  better educational planning , resources and provision. The Statement is intended as a catalyst for debate and informed decision making, and calls for further research into teaching and learning for this group of children, whose numbers rise annually. The Statement was presented to Fabian Hamilton , MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Education Group .Dr Rona Tutt , also a co founder of the Forum , and a past President of the NAHT, also presented at the seminar with particular reference to past SEND legislation , and the current Children and Families Bill.

    Prematurity Position statement

    Press release on Statement May 2013 FINAL

  • Report from the UK’s First Conference on the Education of the Premature-born Child

    The UK’s First Conference on the Education of the Premature-born Child on 31st January 2013, buy the SSAT. The report can be viewed below.

    SSAT newsletter – prematurity conference