This is Part 1 of the Independent Family Review by the Children’s Commissioner for England. It paints a unique and comprehensive picture of family life today. Through extensive quantitative and qualitative research, thousands of children and families have helped to shape this piece of work. It draws upon new and detailed analysis of existing data sets, conversations with experts and frontline workers, and a review of relevant literature including submissions from key stakeholders.

As part of Inclusive Britain – the Government’s response to the 2021 Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities – the Children’s Commissioner for England was asked to undertake this Review. The purpose was to ‘improve the way public services understands the needs of children and families, so every child has the best start in life and the opportunity to reach their full potential .’

The story that Part 1 of the Family Review tells is a complex one. Family life has changed significantly in recent decades, with an increase in co-habitation as an alternative to marriage, more mothers than ever in work and family composition that varies significantly according to region and ethnic background. There is also the emergence of blended families, formed as relationships shift and change, and an increase in children living across more than one household. Government data as currently collected has not kept pace with these changes, and what it tells us does not capture the dynamic and evolving nature of modern family life.