Reflection usually means reflecting on a usually negative experience that requires the professional to stop and evaluate the best path forward. Leeson (2010) suggests that professionals “feel” their work rather than simply observe it. This can test practice and knowledge and hopefully provide greater understanding. However, reflection requires the practitioner to question their professional practice and as such this self-knowledge is not an easy option. As Crowley (2009:4) states, professional research could: “investigate the needs of some reform programmes, although these reforms may focus on what works rather than considering the professional learning required to understand difficult issues”. In these situations, reflection is a useful tool for complexities to be repeatedly considered." Reflection can sometimes be practiced by others. It is worth reflecting on the practice of colleagues and other staff members that has produced good results to find out what they did or said to create such a positive effect. Reflection on practice may involve evaluating interactions with children. The child's perceptions that the professional has already formed can influence these interactions. Through reflection this type of influence on practice can be explored. Furthermore, the researcher brings personal and informal perspectives and theories to the research (McNamara, 2002). Practitioner research can be defined as a tool for bringing about change. As Dadds (2011:2) suggests: “We are not trying to change the whole world together. Rather, we aim to improve that part over which we have some control and responsibility. By doing so, in a small sense, we have an effect on the world at large." This change makes... half of article ......nd Flood, JT (2012) Using qualitative research for research, policy and practice The College of Human Education and Ecology, 51: 137-144. Shulman, L.S. (2004) The Wisdom of Practice: Essays on Teaching, Learning, and Teaching. L. (1975) An introduction to research and curriculum development. London,Heinemann.Stern, J. (2011) Value and virtue in practice-based research. Presented at the Value and virtue-based research conference, York ST John University, York.Wenger, E. (2010) Communities of practice and social learning systems: the career of a concept. Springer Verlas and the Open University 7, 2:224-246.