This paper reports on a retrospective study, the purpose of which was two fold: firstly to review the development and implementation of a small-scale project, through an action research model and secondly to review the subsequent feedback from participants. The aims of the project were: to develop and strengthen an interagency and multi-professional approach to practice learning with a view to addressing some of the identified factors, which lead to unsuccessful partnerships; second to raise the knowledge, skills and values of social workers; and thereby to improve and enhance services for children, young people and their families. The outcome of the project was to develop a range of quality placements to meet the learning experiences of student social workersThe action-research model of Lewin (1946) was the 'best fit' process used to outline the process undertaken to review the development and implementation of the project. Although the problem-solving models presented by Paul and Lipman (1976) and the simpler model of Goodlad (1975) were also considered. Feedback from participants was obtained through a series of individual interviews and focus groups in twelve schools across two local authorities. The focus groups with students and link workers used semi-structured interview prompts, while the individual interviews were structured using open-ended questioning (Cohen and Manion, 1980). The study size was relatively small, however the second phase of the project has doubled the size of schools involved. Feedback was high (83% of students and schools taking part), giving a good cross section of views of those involved in the pilot both from the student and link worker (school) perspective.Initial feedback suggests that the placements have given both teachers and student social workers the opportunity to begin to understand the differing ideologies and values, aims and objectives and organizational cultures and procedures within educational and social work settings. If a greater understanding on the part of partner agencies can be developed through student placements the basis for successful partnerships might have a stronger foundation to build upon.Milbourne, L. (2002) Unspoken Exclusion: Experiences of Continued Marginalisation from Education Among 'Hard to Reach' Groups of Adults and Children. British Journal of Sociology of Education. 23 (2), 287-305. Milbourne, L., Macrae, S. and Maguire, M. (2003) Collaborative Solutions or new Policy Problems: Exploring Multi-agency Partnerships in Education and Health Work. Journal of Education Policy, 18 (1), 19-35. Milbourne, L. (2005) Children, Families and Inter-agency work: Experiences of Partnership Work in Primary Education Settings. British Educational Research Journal. 31 (6), 675-695.