Information for Parents
What is the study, and why does it matter?
The Developing Children’s Connectome Project (DCCP) follows children who took part in the Developing Human Connectome Project (dHCP) as babies, to see how their brains grow from early life through middle childhood. We combine brain scans with activities and questionnaires about thinking skills, emotions and everyday life.
This helps us understand why some children thrive while others face more challenges, and could shape future programmes that support healthy development for all children.
What will my child and family have to do?
Families are invited to three visits over around two years at St Thomas’ Hospital. Each visit is relaxed and welcoming, with time to get to know our research team.
Child Brain Scan
Your child will have a brain scan while watching videos, using a virtual reality (VR) system and headphones to help them feel relaxed.
Watch a video of our MRI scanner here:
Parent Questionnaires
You’ll answer questions about your child’s behaviour, temperament and development, and about everyday life at home. You will do this online before the visit, or if you prefer to, a researcher can complete these with you over the phone or during the visit.
Teacher Questionnaires
With your consent, your child’s teacher may be invited to fill in an online questionnaire about your child at school to help build a wider picture of their behaviour across different settings.
If you have any questions, please visit our FAQs page or contact the research team using the details below:
Co-production with parents and children
DCCP was shaped by parents and children from the very beginning. Our parent co-applicant, Nzinga Gardner, and our Parents’ Advisory Group bring lived experience to every stage of the study, from the questions we ask to the materials families see and how we share our findings.
Our Children’s Research Champions, children of a similar age to our participants, help make sure the activities are fun and easy to take part in.
Benefits & Outcomes
Enjoy fun activities, learn how your brain works and help scientists understand how children grow and learn.
For Children
Gain insight into your child’s strengths and development while helping improve understanding of children’s wellbeing worldwide.
For Parents & Families
For Teachers & Schools
Help build evidence to improve educational support and our understanding of learning and behaviour in school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking part
Who can take part in DCCP?
DCCP is inviting children and families who previously took part in the Developing Human Connectome Project (dHCP). Families who are eligible will be contacted directly by our research team.
What are the benefits of taking part?
By taking part, your family will help researchers learn more about how early brain development relates to children's thinking, learning, behaviour and wellbeing as they grow. This knowledge may help improve support and services for children and families in the future.
As a thank you for your time, families will receive:
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A £40 voucher after each study visit
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Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses
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Lunch and refreshments during the visit
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A written summary report of your child's cognitive, behavioural and MRI assessments
Is taking part voluntary?
Yes. Taking part is entirely voluntary. You and your child can decide not to take part, skip any activity, or withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason.
What if my child changes their mind?
That's absolutely fine. We want children to feel comfortable and involved in the decision to participate. If your child would like to stop an activity or take a break, they can do so at any time.
Study visits
What happens during a DCCP visit?
Around two weeks before the visit, parents will be invited to complete some online questionnaires via links sent in an email. If preferred, a member of the research team can help complete these over the phone or during the visit.
During the study visit, children will take part in a range of age-appropriate games and activities designed to explore thinking, learning, emotions, friendships and social development. They also complete a short interaction activity with their parent or carer. Children will then have an MRI brain scan, during which they can watch cartoons or films and play interactive tasks while we take detailed pictures of their brain. A lunch break will be provided during the day at a time convenient for you and your child. Throughout the visit, there will be plenty of opportunities for breaks, and our team will ensure children feel comfortable and supported.
How long does the visit take?
A DCCP visit will typically last approximately 5-6 hours, including breaks, lunch and time between activities. Our team works closely with families to make the day as comfortable and flexible as possible.
Where will the visit take place?
Visits take place at the department of Early Life Imaging in St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH.
Detailed travel information and directions will be provided by the research team when your visit is booked.
Will my travel expenses be covered?
We can reimburse reasonable travel expenses (via train, public transport) for participating families. Or if you are located within London, we can prebook a taxi for you too. Please contact the research team if you have any questions about travel arrangements or accessibility requirements.
What should we bring?
We will provide any materials needed for the assessment day, as well as refreshments and lunch.
You may wish to bring: comfortable clothing, glasses or hearing aids if used, any specific snacks, or any comfort items your child would like during the visit.
MRI and Brain Imaging
Does the MRI scan hurt?
No. MRI is safe and painless. The scanner uses a magnetic field to take detailed pictures of the brain and does not use X-rays or radiation.
How long is the MRI scan?
The MRI session lasts approximately 1 hour, with around 30 minutes time for preparation beforehand.
What will my child do in the MRI?
Children will lie comfortably inside the scanner while we take pictures of their brain. They can watch a film or programme during the scan and will wear headphones to reduce the scanner noise. They will also watch some videos of shapes and play some games using a remote controller.
What if my child is nervous about the MRI?
Many children feel nervous before their first scan. Our team is experienced in working with children and will explain everything in advance using child-friendly materials and practice activities. Children can stop the scan at any point if they wish.
What if my child cannot take part in the scan?
That's absolutely okay. Participation in the MRI is voluntary, and children can still take part in other study activities even if they do not complete the scan.
Data, Privacy & Results
Is my child's information confidential?
Yes. All information collected is stored securely and handled in accordance with UK data protection regulations. Personal information is stored separately from research data wherever possible.
Who will see our information?
Only authorised members of the research team will have access to identifiable information needed to run the study. Research findings are reported anonymously, meaning individual participants cannot be identified.
Will we receive individual results?
Parents will receive a summary report of some of their child's cognitive and behavioural assessments, usually within two weeks of the study visit. With consent, a copy will also be shared with the child's GP.
DCCP is a research study rather than a clinical service, so we do not routinely provide diagnoses or individual research results from all aspects of the study. However, if we identify anything from the assessments or MRI scan that may be important for your child's health or development, we will discuss this with you and, where appropriate, support referral to relevant NHS services.
Who will see our information?
Only authorised members of the research team will have access to identifiable information needed to run the study. Research findings are reported anonymously, meaning individual participants cannot be identified.
Who has reviewed and approved the study?
The study has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate research ethics and governance committees.
Research Ethics Committee: 26/SW/0077
Sponsor(s): King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
Is taking part voluntary?
Yes. Taking part is entirely voluntary. You and your child can decide not to take part, skip any activity, or withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason.
Teachers & Schools
Why are teachers being contacted?
Teachers can provide valuable information about children's learning, behaviour and wellbeing in the school environment. This helps us build a more complete picture of children's development.
What will teachers be asked to do?
With parental consent, teachers will be invited to complete some short questionnaires about the child's learning, behaviour or social development at school. These questionnaires take approximately an hour and are completed online via a link sent through email.
Will information from schools remain confidential?
Yes. Information provided by schools is treated confidentially and stored securely alongside other research data.
Future participation
How many times will we be invited to take part?
DCCP follows children across middle childhood with three study visits over approximately two years (each appointment is approximately 1 year apart).
Do we have to take part in every visit?
We hope families will participate in every visit, as this helps us achieve the study's longitudinal goals and better understand children's development throughout middle childhood. If you're unable to attend a visit in person, we may be able to offer alternative options, including home visits or online participation. Participation is always voluntary, and families can choose whether to continue at each stage of the study.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
You can visit the 'Contact Us' page on this website to fill out the form with any of your queries and a member of the research team will get back to you via email. Alternatively, you can call us on: 07557 464987 or email us directly at: dccp@kcl.ac.uk
Also, our Instagram page (@dccpstudy) has lots of information and you can DM us on there!
We're always happy to answer questions about the study.