New research as shown that premature babies are more likely to have an educational or behavioural problem.

Up to a third of children born four to eight weeks early will have some form of school problem, finds a study by a team from the Leicester Royal Infirmary published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood this week.

The report suggests that given the large number of children who survive being born four to eight week early, the findings have important implications for the funding of educational services.

Out of 117 pre-term children studied, a quarter needed classroom support, 4 per cent required special educational help, and 3 per cent were at special school. Almost a third had difficulties with writing, fine motor skills and mathematics and 28 per cent were assessed as being hyperactive by either parent or teacher.