In the last three decades, several strands of research have produced compelling evidence justifying a focus on the family with a particular emphasis on early years in order to raise literacy standards. Partners in Literacy is an evidence-based model which is built on these key research findings, these are: (1) Families and parents are critical to children's attainment. Parental involvement in their child's literacy practices positively affects children's academic performance and is a more powerful force for academic success than other family background variables, such as social class, family size and level of parental education; (2) The home is crucial. Parents have the greatest influence on the achievement of young people through supporting their learning in the home rather than supporting activities in school; and (3) Early intervention is vital. The earlier parents become involved in their children's literacy practices, the more profound the results and the longer-lasting the effects. Children learn long before they enter formal education. This paper looks in detail at the range of research underpinning the Partners in Literacy (PiL) model. (Contains 4 figures and 9 footnotes.) [This document was originally written by Angelica Bonci in 2008.]