This introduction to the field of teaching the very able child provides practical help on meeting their needs within the mainstream school, and advice on formulating and developing effective whole-school policy. This book examines strategies for identification and provision which are in line with current government policy. It questions the definitions of the terms 'gifted' and 'very able'. The author encourages heads, teachers and governors to discuss and adopt principles which suit the very able pupils' specific needs. The book demonstrates how the whole-school policy can be put into effective practice. It also provides guidelines for checking that day-to-day lessons have sufficient challenge for the very able child. The author, who is highly experienced in this area of education, has carefully selected relevant information which schools can use as a basis for their decision making, and offers an extended reading list for those wishing to read the topic in greater depth. The book offers a comprehensive and reliable overview of educating very able children.

Introduction. What do We Mean by the Very Able? Analyzing and Diagnosing the Needs of Very Able Children. Teachers and Parents. Using our Professional Judgements to Diagnose Pupils' Needs. Differentiating and Extending Opportunities in the Classroom. Preparing a School for Very Able Children.