Full report: Scoping the feasibility of a new longitudinal birth cohort study of children at risk of poor outcomes across the UK

This project explored the feasibility of establishing a new UK-wide longitudinal birthcohort study focused on children at risk of poor outcomes, particularly those likely tobecome involved with early interventions or children’s social care services.The project found a strong policy appetite and clear research need for a newlongitudinal birth cohort study, capturing lifelong experiences of children at risk.Although challenging, the findings lead to three main study designs: enhancedrecruitment of mothers (including those living in disadvantaged circumstances)whose children may be at greater risk, as part of a population-wide study;recruitment based on maternal health records to recruit mothers with recordedadversities within a defined period pre-birth; or a targeted study capturing childrenalready involved in children’s social care. We detail sample size estimations and costconsiderations. We also outline an alternative or complementary strategy throughlinkage to administrative records.This report includes findings in full - including methodology, all data tables, anddiscussion. A summary report is also available [CLS website link to be inserted].