Book excerpt: This book has been designed to provide guidance for special and mainstream schools in the assessment of pupils' learning from Level P1 up to and including National Curriculum Level 1A. It contains exemplification of the descriptions of attainment for reading, writing and the three strands of mathematics identified in Planning, Teaching and Assessing the Curriculum for Pupils with Learning Difficulties produced by the QCA. The book provides clarification of the performance criteria, through illustrative examples, and supports accurate and consistent teacher assessment of pupils working at these levels. It enables effective monitoring of attainment and progression, which will support the target setting process, and demonstrates how assessments can be used to inform next steps in learning. The authors include examples from special and mainstream schools on reading, writing and mathematics. The book also contains photocopiable proformas for your own use. SENCOs and teachers in special and mainstream schools should find this book helps them to chart the progress of their pupils' learning very effectively.