Frequently Asked Questions: Taking Part
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Why should I take part?
By taking part in Children of the 2020s, you will be helping the Department for Education (DfE) understand what it is like for children growing up in the 2020s and how to best support children and families lead happier and healthier lives in the future. Don’t miss out on the chance to help shape future policies that will support children and families like yours!
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What will the study involve?
Children of the 2020s is an important longitudinal research study and there are currently 5 stages of research planned. You will be invited to take part in surveys when your child is aged 9 months, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years old. These surveys will be in different formats, sometimes an interviewer will conduct an interview with you face-to-face in your home, the surveys may also be online or with an interviewer over the phone. In between these main stages, we will also invite you to take part in the BabySteps app (for more information about the app please see the app specific FAQS here).
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Can I stop taking part at any time?
Yes. If you no longer wish to take part, please contact us at Freephone 0800 056 8184 or send us an email at children2020s@ipsos.com.
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If I miss one of the surveys, can I re-join later?
You must take part in the survey when your child is aged 9 months in order to be invited to take part at future stages.
Your unique contribution is incredibly valuable so we do hope that you will take part. We’d like everyone to take part each time we get in touch with you. This is because the information you give us at each survey is even more valuable when we are able to link up the surveys up over time.
But it’s up to you to decide whether or not to take part each time. Once you have taken part in the first survey, if you miss a survey, you can still do the next one.
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How will the interviews take place?
We would like to invite you to a face-to-face interview when your child is 9 months old and 3 years old.
We encourage you to take part in a face-to-face interview in which an interviewer will visit your home at a time that suits you, including in an evening or weekend if you prefer. If you are not comfortable with this, you can choose between taking part via telephone interview or on MS Teams.
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What if I am out or busy when the interviewer comes to visit?
If you are unable to do the interview when the interviewer visits, they will be happy to arrange a more convenient time.
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How do I know the interviewer is genuine?
All interviewers carry ID photocards with a Freephone number 0808 238 5456 to call if you want to check who they are. If you have any concerns, please contact us via this number (please note that calls from a landline are free but calls from mobiles may vary so please check with your provider).
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What happens in the interviews?
The interview will be relaxed and informal and the interviewer will arrange to do the interview at a time and place that suits you. They will have a tablet computer and follow a set questionnaire. There are no right or wrong answers - we just want to know your views and information about you and your child. You do not have to answer any question if you do not want to. The most important thing is that you answer as accurately and honestly as possible. You can also stop the interview at any time. If you stop and want to complete the interview at a later date, that is also possible.
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How will I remember to take part?
Before each survey, we’ll write to you to tell you everything you need to know about what is involved. You might want to know when the survey is taking place, or how long it will take. We’ll always try to answer any questions you have. After each survey, we’ll write to thank you for taking part.
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What do I do if me or my child moves?
If you or your child move home, please let us know by emailing children2020s@ipsos.com or leaving a message on Freephone 0800 056 8184 (please note that calls from a landline are free but calls from mobiles may vary so please check with your provider) with the following information:
- Your name
- Your reference number (this can be found at the top of the letter you received about the study)
- Your new address and postcode
- Date of move