For sake of our futures, families must come first

I HAVE always found it baffling how little attention Westminster pays to supporting families to help their children to succeed. It was good to hear the Prime Minister talking about the importance of family last week in his speech.

- Anne Longfield

But talking about families is one thing. Rethinking policies and designing services around the needs of families is something completely different.

From more help with childcare to providing somewhere to turn when things go wrong, the default should be to support families to do what most do so well. Frequently it is not and that needs to change.

So often politicians seem squeamish about introducing policies specifically targeted at supporting families. Some may be worried about being accused of creating a “nanny state”, but by not acting we are leaving too many families high and dry without the help they need to work, to gain parenting skills, and to find their way through crises when they occur.

This reluctance is so counterproductive when we know that families are one of our greatest assets.

We know that for most children, their family are going to be the most important influence in their lives – a source of love, guidance, and nurture.

Children who grow up within a strong family are more likely to do well at school. A strong family can be an essential building block for a successful adult life.

We know too that when things go wrong for children, families are usually best placed to resolve the problem – if they have the right support.