It is generally acknowledged that interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in the management of children with special educational needs. Ways in which professionals may be prepared for this responsibility have not received much consideration. This article is the first in the Supplement to report a project at the undergraduate stage, for two professions: teachers and speech therapists. Dr Beryl Smith, an educational psychologist, teaches at Westhill College; Dr Rachel David, a speech therapist, teaches on the speech therapy course at the City of Birmingham Polytechnic.