BiBBS ACHIEVE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
BiBBS ACHIEVE: Addressing Childhood Inequalities through Evidence-Based Early Interventions using Born in Bradford’s Better Start (BiBBS) birth cohort
IRAS ID
359063
Contact name
Jane Dennison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
7 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Middle childhood (ages 6 to 12) is a critical stage of development when many physical, emotional, and cognitive changes take place. It is also a time when early signs of long term health conditions and mental health difficulties often begin to emerge. Despite its importance, this stage is sometimes overlooked in research and policy, leading it to be described as the "missing middle". Children living in disadvantaged circumstances, even in high income countries like the UK, face greater challenges to their health and development compared to their more advantaged peers.
BiBBS ACHIEVE is a new research study that builds on the success of the Born in Bradford (BiB) Primary School Years follow up. It focuses on children growing up in Bradford, a diverse city with high levels of deprivation. This new phase of research will help us better understand how early life experiences influence children's development as they grow older.
Around 8,000 children in the Born in Bradford Better Start (BiBBS) cohort will take part in school based assessments that measure their emotional and physical health, language skills, and cognitive development. At the same time, around 2,400 BiBBS mothers will complete follow up surveys to provide wider family and environmental context. We will also carry out in depth interviews and group discussions with a smaller group of children and families to explore their everyday experiences and the factors that shape their wellbeing.
By using innovative and participatory methods, BiBBS ACHIEVE will generate valuable insights into how children’s lives are influenced by family, community, and societal factors. The findings will be used to inform and improve services, policies, and interventions aimed at supporting children’s health, wellbeing, and development, particularly for those from more disadvantaged backgrounds.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0151
Date of REC Opinion
29 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion