ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the content available in Section 3 of the book. The section recognises the importance of strong partnerships, joined-up thinking and working at all levels and between all partners, including communities, families and children. It is saying that achieving meaningful partnerships requires awareness and sensitivity and respecting the perspectives of all parties. It is identifies the components of effective community engagement and these components are made visible, and shares stories of innovative policies intended to meet current and future needs in diverse communities where history has imposed attitudes and practices no longer acceptable. It is possible to see the component parts of working effectively in the community by understanding the impact of historic assumptions which still affect spoken language, its nature and how it is ‘learnt’ (and by implication, taught). The section throws into sharp relief a complex weave of issues which require a balance between pedagogy as social justice and professional accountability.
