Parent needs and preferences for support during their very prematurely born child’s transition to school

Abstract

ABSTRACT Children born very preterm (VP) are at increased risk for challenges in the school environment. This study aimed to understand the needs of parents of VP children for intervention and support in relation to their child’s transition to school, and to capture parent preferences for content and delivery of a transition to school intervention. Two hundred and twenty parents of 3-7-year-old children who were born VP (<32 weeks), living in Australia completed a cross-sectional survey. Results showed that over half of parents identified a need for assistance in supporting their child to be ready to start school. Intervention content aimed at improving parent-skills, child-skills and school factors were identified. Parents also identified key considerations and preferences for the format of a transition to school support programme. Parents of VP children have specific needs for support around their child’s transition to school, with key factors at the parent-, child – and school-levels.