We asked both groups about the feasibility of using administrative data as a sample frame, and the possible benefits and disadvantages of this.

We explored how the sample frame could be used to maximise representation and for targeted recruitment. We also asked the group about the possible benefits and disadvantages of linking administrative data to the survey data.

The findings supported the decision to pursue NHS records as the sampling frame and informed the planned record linkages.

Mothers and fathers were asked about whether they thought the choice of sampling frame was acceptable, and the reassurances they would need to support this data use.

These reassurances were integrated into the participant materials and study’s privacy notice.

These findings were also used extensively in negotiations with data controllers to access the sampling frame.

We conducted two panels with people representing potential participants in the study, to explore general engagement issues.

We also carried out in-depth qualitative research with the ethnic minority and low-income families and own-household fathers, as the key ‘less often heard’ groups that the study is designed to engage.

In 2021 and 2023 we carried out sessions with the National Children’s Bureau Youth and Family Research Advisory Group.

We asked the groups of parents and young people about our ideas for recruitment, the child’s consent to participate, motivations and barriers to taking part, which parents should be asked which questions, questionnaire topics, incentives and study name ideas.

We used the findings to inform the design of the interview for different kinds of parents, the types of incentives given, and engagement messaging for the participant materials.

Download the Early Life Cohort Feasibility Study: Findings from NCB meetings report (February 2024, PDF)

Download the Early Life Cohort Feasibility Study: Findings from NCB meetings report (February 2024, PDF).

With IFF Research we carried out consultation on participant-facing name and brand with online focus groups with mothers and fathers of children under two years old.

We asked the group about experiences of being a new parent, motivations and barriers to taking part in the study and sources of information for parents.

These findings were implemented into the engagement messages in the participant materials. We also tested different study names, logos and brand colours to inform the branding for the study which informed the final choice.

With Ipsos, we carried out in-depth interviews with 30 ‘own-household fathers’ (OHFs). These are fathers who do not live full time with their child.

At age nine months, approximately 20% of UK fathers do not live with their child full time. OHFs are a diverse group, but most (15% of all fathers) are registered on their child’s birth certificate, see their child regularly, and nearly half will be in a relationship with the child’s mother. OHFs are therefore a substantial and important group for recruitment to the study.

Direct recruitment of OHFs has never been done before in a UK birth cohort, so this work aimed to understand the motivations and barriers to participation for these fathers.

The findings supported the choice of birth registrations as a sampling frame to ensure recruitment of OHFs, informed engagement messaging in the materials, the mixed-mode design to encourage fathers to take part and fieldwork protocols for interviewers.

In-depth interviews were also done with 30 mothers and fathers from low-income backgrounds, with a high quota sample of parents from ethnic minority backgrounds. Low-income and ethnic minority families are both boost groups in the sample. It was therefore important to understand the engagement issues for these groups.

Findings from this work informed the study’s approach to inclusive study materials, and offering mode flexibility for time-poor parents and engagement approaches.

An article on this work was published in the Social Research Association’s Social Research Practice journal.

Working with Ipsos we tested early drafts of participant materials and parts of the questionnaire for appeal and comprehensions with a group of potential participants. This comprised 32 parents with a child under two years old from a range of backgrounds.

As a result, improvements were made to the questionnaires and content and design of the participant materials.