This has been published as Planning, teaching and assessing the curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties and comprises the following materials:

• general guidelines
• developing skills
• English
• mathematics
• science
• information and communication technology
• design and technology
• history
• geography
• modern foreign languages
• art and design
• music
• physical education
• religious education
• personal social and health education/citizenship.

The guidelines support the planning, development and implementation of the curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties. They draw on effective practice across a range of schools and can be used in mainstream and special primary and secondary schools, specialised units and independent schools. They also provide support to the range of services that work with pupils with learning difficulties. The subject materials include performance descriptions showing pupils' progress up to level 1 of the national curriculum, which can be used to recognise attainment and structure teaching.

Distribution of two sets of the booklets to all special schools and schools with special units took place at the end of March.

To avoid burdening other schools, the SEN adviser in each LEA/unitary authority has been sent an order form, inviting them to order the materials on behalf of relevant mainstream schools in their area.

The guidelines have also been placed on the improved National Curriculum website, launched in January 2001, and can be found at http://www.nc.uk.net/ld/ from early April 01.

The initial distribution of the booklets was free. Further booklets may be ordered from QCA Publications.