The award is given for the book which is judged to do the best job of providing a positive image of children with special needs. Judges include Dorothy Smith of the National Association for Special Educational Needs.

A second award will be made for the academic book which does the most to encourage professionals to improve the education of children with difficulties and disabilities. The two awards, each with a pound;500 prize, will be presented by school standards minister Charles Clarke at the Special Needs Exhibition at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London, on Thursday November 4.