One of four working documents which are the first publications to emerge from a detailed study of the implications of recent legislation for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties by four special school teachers seconded by Manchester Education Committee to Manchester University in September 1989. The main thrust of the work has been to ensure equality of access for all pupils to a broadly based curriculum which incorporates the National Curriculum. From September 1990 all special schools, including those for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties, are required by law to implement, the National Curriculum. These documents are designed to support practitioners in meeting this challenge.