This paper describes and analyses the pilot of one data collection tool, the work diary, for an educational research project. Before inclusion in the wider research project, the researcher developed, piloted and qualitatively assessed the feasibility of the data collection tool. As the wider research project will be conducted in and investigate inclusive education practices, the processes and design surrounding the development and pilot of the work diary were aligned to the principles of inclusivity. This paper provides reflections and lessons learnt about the importance and relevance of the pilot as worthwhile research practice. It also provides specific discussion about focused preparation by the researcher to overcome some of the limitations associated with the use of the work diary and its implementation in educational research. Specifically, the pilot was undertaken to 1) determine what research partners thought and felt about the use of the work diary; 2) determine what improvements and or changes needed to be made to the work diary and related processes before implementation. Findings of the pilot confirmed wider research commentary about the benefits and limitations about the use of the dairy under the themes of 1) purpose, 2) format and ease of use and 3) participant preparation and support. The benefits of comprehensive pre-planning and design process outweighed the limitations. The work diary was a useful data collection tool to record activities of busy school teams as required for the wider research project. The use of the diary was likened to joining dots of a children's drawing activity to reveal a complex picture of interactions. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)