Relationships between teachers, children and university lecturers must be positive, productive and professional to optimise the learning and development of student teachers in school-based experiences. The limited research into these 'high stakes' relationships mostly explores alternative approaches. This paper explores the perceptions of student teachers and associate teachers as they consider the value of an alternative practicum supervision approach. The lecturers supervised and mentored the student teachers in all of their practicum experiences. Findings indicate a clear preference for this approach, mostly because of reduced stress, especially in the final practicum. The lecturer was a stable influence with a greater depth of knowledge of the student's learning journey. The later visits were future-focused, identifying next steps in developing both strengths and weaknesses. There are some current examples of this approach, but these participants suggest that it should be common practice because of the value of the professional conversations that occurred.