Professor Pat Petrie heads the Centre for Understanding Social pedagogy (CUSP) at the Institute of Education, University of London. She researches social and educational policy and practice towards children in the UK and elsewhere, with a strong focus on the role of social pedagogues in continental Europe. Pat’s recent work has been about play and childcare; services for disabled children and their families; and children in residential and foster care. The changing nature of educational services in England and other countries, and the expansion of the school, are on-going themes. Pat’s work attracts national and international attention.