Very Special Maths

Julie King, National Coordinator Click SpecialEDNZ Trust , New Zealand

There is definitely a real need for this book. University and Teacher's College courses specialising in special education have been cut significantly over the past decade - there are fewer and fewer teachers with academic and practical expertise in curriculum content development for students with Severe, Complex and Profound and Multiple Learning difficulties. The National Curriculum starts with the assumption that children have a certain amount of knowledge.

Not only does 'Very Special Maths' provide essential learning for special needs teachers; it links directly to the National Curriculum. All teachers can see the progression and linkage. The learning to learn principle is very topical in education currently flummoxing many teachers particularly those dealing with students with complex needs - 'Very Special Maths' is an essential resource to support the development of this principle with this group of students

Do you recommend that we should publish this book?
I have no reservations - YES

Linda Evans - Experienced teacher/adviser/Ofsted inspector. Currently Tutor at Newman University (ITT/ SEN); freelance writer and editor (education). I am currently supporting a trainee who works with students with severe and complex difficulties and have supported others, in different schools, in the last few years.

There is definitely a need for this book. In the special schools I have visited in recent years (and observed many lessons) there is an obvious lack of expertise in the teaching of numeracy and maths-related topics. It is such an important and interesting area but so often, staff are unable to deliver appropriate learning opportunities to pupils with very special needs.

The book is going to be ground breaking - unlike anything else available. I definitely recommend that you publish it.