ABSTRACT
This chapter explores:
what is meant by the term ‘family’ and why the concept of family is of enduring importance for children and society;
the concept that children need to form secure attachments when young to enable them to thrive, and the role of the family in this process;
how families provide children with the social capital to enable them to thrive in school and as adults;
the role of the school in providing equality of opportunity for children to achieve.
