Beate Hellawell Over the years, I have worked as play policy officer, primary class teacher, reading recovery teacher, dyslexia specialist, local authority SEN officer, NVQ assessor for teaching assistants and as senior lecturer at two universities. I have always been interested in the relationship between policy and practice and how each is shaped by and shapes the other. I have also grappled, both as a practitioner and an academic, with the complexities of partnership working and wondered how it is possible to satisfy professional demands whilst remaining true to my own moral compass. As I embarked on a professional doctorate, the 2014 SEND policy reform went through its various consultation stages and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 was enacted. It offered a fascinating area of research and this book is the result. I had promised myself a belated gap year on the completion of my doctorate and I kept my promise. This book was therefore written on some of the most beautiful beaches and hill stations around the globe. A particular inspiration for me during this year were the writings of the Brazilian Paulo Freire on critical pedagogy and the importance of curiosity, of critical thinking and ultimately of hope. I do hope that this book not only demonstrates curiosity as well as critical thinking, but also offers hope for better partnerships and sound ethical practice in the interests of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.[Page xxiv]