Of all the curriculum subjects, mathematics can sometimes cause the most concern for teachers of children with severe and profound learning difficulties. This work: offers practical advice on how to develop the mathematical abilities of these children; explains how children develop early mathemetical concepts; describes the foundation elements of teaching mathematics that the National Curriculum and National Numeracy Strategy does not cover in detail; provides help on planning appropriate lessons and guidance on including pupils within the approaches of the National Numeracy Strategy; and gives guidance on creating a continuum of assessment and recording that can cover the wide range of abilities of pupils in special schools, and can support individual target setting. The book covers a wide range of approaches to teaching and learning and demonstrates how mathematics can be related to personal and social development, communication and thinking skills. Written with the non-specialist in mind and including plenty of practical examples, it should be useful for teachers in mainstream and special schools, as well as learning support assistants. Early years practitioners and teachers in training may find the book useful for its descriptions of how children acquire their foundation of eraly mathematics and numeracy skills.