This work provides guidance for special and mainstream schools in the assessment of pupils' learning from level P1 up to and including National Curriculum level 1A. It contains exemplification of the descriptions of attainment for reading, writing and the three strands of maths identified in "Planning, Teaching and Assessing the Currriculum for Pupils with Learning Difficulties" produced by the QCA. The book: provides clarification of the performance criteria, through illustrative examples; supports accurate and consistent teacher assessment of pupils working at these levels; enables effective monitoring of attainment and progression, which will support the target setting process; demonstrates how assessments can be used to inform next steps in learning; includes examples from special and mainstream schools on reading, writing and mathematics; and contains photocopiable proformas.