First Published in 1999. In most practical books on teaching and learning, curriculum planning, and assessment, you will find the word ’observation’ and the assumption will be made that you know what observation is and how best to approach it. This book’s starting point is that observation is a powerful way of improving individual and collective classroom practice, but in order to be effective it must be carried out systematically and with rigour. Throughout, the book focuses on work with children with special educational needs and their teachers, and reflects my experience and expertise in special education.