ABSTRACT
The provision of appropriate education for students with special needs is determined by government policy and enacted by law. The right of parents to play an active part in the development of an appropriate program for their own child is universally reflected in governments' special education policies and practices. Professionals with specialist expertise can make a vital contribution towards meeting the needs of an individual student. Mutual understanding and joint decision making between parents and professionals will ensure strategies being planned have the best chance of success. Without doubt the key professional for a student with Special Educational Needs is their class teacher. Information about the medical and other specialists who may be involved in various categories of Special Educational Need are given in the supporting notes which follow checklist. Classroom teachers are supported by more specialist colleagues as appropriate. Specialist teachers and educational advisers have very important roles to play in ensuring that students' special needs are fully addressed.
