ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the issues surrounding the concept of collaborative work which is fundamental to effective inter-disciplinary practice. The one important aspect about a Special School is that within its walls works a multi-disciplinary team of personnel and each member of the team is dependent upon each other to enable each pupil to gain fully from this special experience. As special schools provide a major focus for inter-disciplinary involvement, it is hardly surprising that strong links should have developed which embrace all the complementary disciplines and facilitate new and innovative ways of delivering the necessary services and curricula. Effective multi-professional work requires cooperation, collaboration and mutual support. While all parents have some needs and some strengths which can be drawn upon, professionals have to spend more time and expertise on those few parents who have an intense need for guidance or who will make an extensive contribution.
