Centre for Children and Families
NatCen’s Centre for Children and Families undertakes some of the most exciting and influential applied social research in the UK.
Our aim is to make a significant contribution to public understanding of key contemporary issues for children and families including early years and parenting, education and mental health, against a backdrop of significant challenges for children and young people.
In addition to being experts in their fields, researchers in the team bring a wealth of experience in a range of research methods, including survey design, data analysis, qualitative and participatory approaches. Working with specialists in our Evaluation team, we have a particularly strong track record of delivering high quality impact evaluations including both Randomised Control Trials and quasi-experimental approaches.
Our work
The Centre for Children and Families brings a wealth of specialist knowledge and long-standing expertise in topics including children’s social care, family justice, early intervention and youth offending, with an active focus on engagement and impact.
It offers research methods expertise in areas such as qualitative, area-based and participatory approaches, survey design and data analysis. In addition, it further develops NatCen’s expertise in delivering high-quality evaluations in this field.
Catch up with our latest work, blogs and events
Alternatives to detention: evaluation of second pilot
ReportThe Confident Resilient Children (CRC) Project Feasibility and Pilot Studies
ReportNational Centre for Social Research to lead two new studies, Five to Twelve and Growing Up in the 2020s
Press releaseA Better Start – national evaluation update webinar
EventA Better Start National Evaluation: Launching the first annual report and thematic report
BlogThe first annual report for the national evaluation of A Better Start
ReportPlace-based Approaches: the thematic focus for the ABS national evaluation 2022
ReportOur team
The Centre for Children and Families brings together colleagues with expertise in social research and policymaking, building on NatCen’s track record of world-class research in this field. The Centre for Children and Families is shaping the debate on modern childhood, working with policy makers to identify evidence-based interventions that improve children’s and young people’s life chances

Gayle Munro

Hayley Leonard

Mary McKaskill

Miranda Phillips

Dr Svetlana Speight

Helena Takala

Eliza Garwood

Lana MacNaboe

Monica Dey

Alina Fletcher

Natasha Phillips
