Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that children born prematurely are not disadvantaged in education.

The government is determined to break down barriers to opportunity and ensure the best start in life for every child, including those who are born prematurely.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework sets the standards and requirements that all early years providers must follow. The EYFS is clear that every child is unique and that they develop and learn at different rates. It also describes the importance of responding to children’s individual interests and needs. Being born prematurely is not classified as a special educational need or a disability, however, when a premature child does need special educational needs and disability support, schools and early years settings are encouraged to identify and support them early as possible.

The investment announced at Budget to rebuild school buildings, alongside funding for children’s social care, breakfast clubs and early years, reflects the government’s commitment to putting education back at the forefront of national life.