Preparing for Life (PFL) is a prevention and early intervention programme which aims to improve the life outcomes of children and families living in North Dublin, Ireland, by intervening during pregnancy and working with families until the children start school. The PFL Programme is being evaluated using a mixed methods approach, incorporating a longitudinal randomised control trial design and an implementation analysis. The experimental component involves the random allocation of participants from the PFL communities to either a high support treatment group or a low support treatment group. Both groups receive developmental toys, facilitated access to preschool, public health workshops, and have access to a support worker. Participants in the high treatment group also receive home visits from a trained mentor and group parent training using the Triple P Positive Parenting Programme. The PFL treatment groups are also being compared to a 'services as usual' comparison group (LFP), who do not receive the PFL Programme. (author abstract)