This section supports the development of skills across the curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties. At early levels of learning it explains and gives examples of:

• key skills
• thinking skills
• additional skills which may form further priority areas of learning.

The suggestions provided for each area are not exhaustive and they can be broken down into more finely graded steps to meet the needs of individual pupils. Many of these skills are closely linked and staff can explore the ways in which these links can support learning across the curriculum and across key stages and levels. Links are made, where appropriate, to:

• the relevant National Curriculum programmes of study
• other skill areas
• the guidance for each National Curriculum subject in these guidelines.

These materials should be read along with Promoting skills across the National Curriculum in the revised National Curriculum handbooks for primary and secondary teachers.