The Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) at the Institute of Education, University of London (UK) is seeking tenders from survey research agencies to carry out the instrument development, data collection and initial data processing for the sixth sweep of the UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS).

MCS is a longitudinal study following the lives of over 19,000 children in the UK born in 2000/1. The cohort has been surveyed on five prior occasions: at 9 months (2001-2), 3 years (2003-4), 5 years (2006), 7 years (2008) and 11 years (2012). The sample was originally recruited through Child Benefit records and was designed to over-represent children living in deprived areas, areas with high minority ethnic populations (in England only) and areas in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The data collection for the home visits for the sixth sweep will take place between January 2015 and December 2015 when the cohort members will be turning 14 years old and in their third year of secondary school. It is expected that approximately 16,500 families will be approached for the fifth sweep. Multiple informants per family will be interviewed in person in their home with the majority of data collection carried out using computer assisted interviewing (CAI).

The survey will comprise the following data collection elements:

— Interviews with up to two co-resident parents/carers per family.

— Cognitive assessments, physical measurements, interview and time-use diary for the 14 year-old cohort member.

— Collection of saliva samples from up to two co-resident biological parents and the cohort member.

— Collection of direct measures of physical activity using accelerometers from the cohort member.

The survey research organisation will be required to:

— Work closely with CLS to design and develop the data collection instruments. The agency will be responsible for the production of all instruments including all CAI programming required.

— Work closely with CLS to design and develop fieldwork materials and fieldwork procedures.

— Supply and train interviewers to collect the data and monitor and oversee their work to ensure that the data collection is carried out on schedule and to a high standard.

— Carry out initial data processing, i.e. coding, editing and data checking prior to delivering the data to CLS, and provide full documentation of the data collection instruments.