Researchers at the University of London found that pre-school improves cognitive development and has an important impact on academic achievements up to the age of 10.

Learning a second language helps children better understand their own language and broadens a child's cultural horizon - stimulating their interest in other peoples and other countries.

As part of the launch of the National Literacy Trust's Talk to Your Baby campaign, the trust commissioned research that discovered that one in five expectant parents are oblivious to the benefits of talking to their baby - both in the womb and in the first few months after being born.