Handwriting is a very complex skill to master, one that involves linguistic, cognitive, perceptual and motor components, all of which have to be coordinated into an integrated fashion. From Reception, children begin their journal with mark making and practising following pre-handwriting patterns alongside being taught how to form letters using fun rhymes to help them understand each letter’s formation. We teach a letter formation family at a time and this is continued through into KS2. When children are ready to join, they will be taught how to join one letter to another, again teaching them through similar join families.

Our handwriting is very personal, a part of our self-image and an expression of our personality, just as the way we dress and present ourselves is. We encourage children to write with the emphasis on allowing for speed, clarity and legibility.