This handbook allows rapid reference to conditions commonly encountered in school-aged children, and to rare diseases as well. It focuses particularly on the impact of the condition on the child's ability to access the curriculum, and suggests educational approaches that should help. In this way it is hoped that education and medicine can work hand in hand to allow each child to achieve their potential.

The book offers: essential information on medical conditions and the way they affect learning; up-to-date descriptions of symptoms, signs and current key concepts; current educational approaches taken to accommodate children with the conditions and problems listed; and advice on diagnosing and responding to acute illness such as meningitis (what to do with a child who might have it, what happens to the rest of the school if it is diagnosed in one child).