CHILDREN born prematurely could struggle at school because they start their education too early, new research has claimed.
Premature youngsters are likely to have more difficulties at school and have difficulties with higher education.
The research from University College London,Warwick and Nottingham University shows that very premature babies born before 26 weeks probably are not ready to go to school when they reach school age.
They claim youngsters should be allowed to begin school later than others.
Research found that premature children take longer to develop and acquire literacy and numeracy skills. As a result, they are up to 77 times more likely to suffer serious learning difficulties by the age of 11.
By law, British children begin school in the September after their fifth birthday, although the vast majority attend reception classes aged four.
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