The overriding issue that affects SLTs and teachers and which recurs as a constant theme in any discussion is that these two professions work in separate, large, impressive organizations, each with its own expectations and practices -- SLTs in the health service, teachers in education. These organizational systems are equally confident in their approaches to service delivery, but are very different in the ways in which they go about it. Differences between the systems can mean that it is not particularly easy to collaborate. The fact that good collaborative practice does take place is a tribute to the determination and realism of the professionals in the field.

There is a good deal of practice to draw upon and this book gives a flavor of the complex interaction and collaboration being developed in the field of education. There has been a recent 'sea-change' in practice, and this book captures a particular period of time when a move by teachers and SLTs from independent working to collaborative working is taking place. It is an exciting change and it is hoped that by documenting some of the relevant issues this book will help to accelerate the process.