SummaryThe paper reports a study undertaken with co‐operating teachers which draws upon practising teachers’ experience and expertise in order to acquire a body of professional knowledge generated by teachers for the use of teachers. The study was undertaken with specific reference to developing effective liaison with parents who, for one reason or another, are reluctant to become involved with their children's education. Both the information generated by teachers and their professional reflection upon it are described, and the more general implications of the approach for the involvement of teachers in the production of teachers’ professional knowledge are considered.