Five to Twelve: FAQs and useful links
Frequently asked questions
How was I chosen for this study?
You have been selected at random from the Department for Education’s National Pupil Database. Taking part is completely voluntary. If you do take part, you can change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time and you do not have to provide a reason.
What does taking part involve?
We will ask one parent to take part in an interview that will take around 45 minutes. We would also like to ask your child to do some activities that help us measure how they think. These activities will take about 15 minutes. Where applicable, we will invite other parents to take part in a short online survey.
We would like to speak to you first when your child is around 5 or 6 years old. Five to Twelve is a longitudinal study, which means we will collect data over several years, and would also like to speak to you again as they get older.
What will happen to the information I give?
Each participant in the study is administered separately and will not know about the responses given by anyone else. All information provided by you will be strictly confidential, stored securely and protected by UK data protection legislation. The answers you give will help researchers and policy makers understand children’s development and family life. The information will be used to make decisions about education and family support.
The study findings will be anonymised and nothing we publish will identify you or your family. You can read the study’s Privacy Notice here.
Who is carrying out the study?
This study is being carried out by the National Centre for Social Research, the largest independent social research organisation in Britain, in collaboration with the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) and the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER). The study is funded by the Department for Education.
Who has approved this research?
The study has been reviewed by an independent group of people called a Research Ethics Committee, to protect your safety, rights, wellbeing and dignity. This study has been given ethical approval by the NatCen Research Ethics Committee A (Reference no. P17183).
How can I find out more?
If you would like to talk to someone about the study or if you do not wish to take part, please contact us at FiveToTwelve@natcen.ac.uk or call us on 0800 652 4568. When contacting us please include your reference number, which can be found on the top right-hand side of your invitation letter.
Useful Links
Childline – free and confidential support for anyone under 19 in the UK about any issue you’re going through
Website: https://www.childline.org.uk/
Helpline: 0800 1111
Citizen’s Advice – provides confidential advice online about a range of issues
Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Helpline: 0800 144 8848
Family lives – support people with all aspects of family life
Website: https://www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/
Helpline: 0808 800 2222 email: askus@familylives.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line - provides advice and support for all men experiencing domestic violence
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 801 0327
Email: info@ mensadviceline.org.uk (open Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm).
Mind – support anyone with a mental health problem
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
Helpline: 0300 123 3393 email: info@mind.org.uk
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – support victims of domestic abuse and violence
Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Relate – provides relationship support
Website: https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/talk-someone
Shelter – free housing advice
Website: https://www.shelter.org.uk/
Emergency helpline: 0808 800 4444
Stepchange – provides free expert debt advice
Website: https://www.stepchange.org/contact-us.aspx
Helpline: 0800 138 1111
Working Families – advice for working parents and carers
Website: https://workingfamilies.org.uk/
Helpline: 0300 012 0312
Young Minds – provide confidential advice if you are concerned about the mental health of your child
Website: https://youngminds.org.uk/contact-us/