The ability to form letters well on paper begins with the development of both fine and gross motor skills in our 2 Year Old and Nursery provision. Extra support is given to pupils with poor fine motor skills.

Nursery and Reception classes learn letter formation in line with the Read-Write-Inc. Phonics programme. Children learn correct letter formation using the same picture mnemonics that they have already learned in phonics lessons. Letter formation is taught in handwriting groups, e.g. ‘around letters’ such as ‘c’ and ‘d’ and ‘down letters’ such as ‘l’ and ‘m’. Reception, when appropriate, practice finger warm ups and some of the starters from the scheme. They may also include it in their continuous provision.

Handwriting is taught daily for 15 minutes in Key Stage 1. We use the Nelson Handwriting  scheme. Children in year 1 revise letter formation, posture and pen grip which then progresses to learning how to join in the Spring term. This continues in year 2 with a focus on consistency.

In Key Stage 2, children are encouraged to present their work neatly and write using joined up handwriting. Presentation star stickers are given regularly (by a member of SLT) to children presenting their work neatly and those children who meet the handwriting expectations are rewarded with a pen licence.