Building the Foundations for Fluent Writing
At Longmoor, we recognise that handwriting is more than presentation; it is a vital foundation for success in writing and learning. Our aim is for every child, including those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged, to develop clear, fluent and confident handwriting that supports their ability to express ideas effectively across the curriculum.
As outlined in Ofsted’s Strong Foundations in the First Years of School (2024) and The Writing Framework (DfE, 2025), secure transcription skills — spelling and handwriting — reduce cognitive load, freeing pupils to focus on creativity and composition. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) also highlights that fluent handwriting supports working-memory efficiency and overall writing attainment.
Our Approach
Our handwriting curriculum is systematic, inclusive and cumulative, beginning in Nursery and continuing through to Year 6.
- Early Years: Children develop the physical readiness to write through a structured 12-step progression that builds gross and fine motor control, grip strength and early pattern making. Handwriting is introduced alongside phonics using Read Write Inc. letter families and formation phrases.
- Key Stage 1: Pupils secure accurate print formation before moving to pre-cursive and, when ready, joined handwriting. Daily practice helps them build fluency and stamina.
- Key Stage 2: Pupils refine a fluent, legible, joined style, applying it confidently across subjects. Teachers model high standards consistently in all written work.
Daily handwriting practice is provided for all pupils who are not yet fully proficient in fluent, joined (cursive) handwriting, ensuring that teaching remains systematic and responsive until handwriting becomes fully automatic.
High expectations, consistent modelling and regular practice ensure that handwriting becomes automatic, allowing pupils to focus on the content of their writing.
Inclusion and Support
Our approach reflects the School Inspection Toolkit (2025) emphasis on inclusion. Barriers to handwriting are identified early, and tailored support (including fine and gross motor interventions, adapted tools or additional modelling) ensures all pupils make progress. Every child is supported to develop pride, confidence and fluency in their writing.
Why It Matters
Research and inspection evidence are clear: when handwriting becomes automatic, children can think more deeply about what they want to say. By securing strong foundations early, we equip pupils with the skills and stamina to write with independence, confidence and enjoyment.
Curriculum Overview - Handwriting
Supporting Handwriting at Home
At Longmoor, we believe strong handwriting foundations begin long before children pick up a pencil. Developing good control, strength, and coordination in the hands, arms, and body helps children write comfortably and fluently as they grow.
Below are some simple, fun ways to help your child build the skills they need for confident writing.
Strengthening Hand and Arm Muscles (Gross Motor Skills)
Activities that build upper body and core strength make it easier to control small hand movements when writing:
- Animal walks (e.g. bear, crab, frog, snake)
- Climbing, balancing and yoga
- Throwing and catching games
- Painting on large surfaces or walls with big brushes
- Dancing or using action songs
Developing Finger Strength and Dexterity (Fine Motor Skills)
Small hand and finger muscles are strengthened through fun, everyday activities such as:
- Playdough rolling, squeezing and cutting
- Threading beads or using tweezers to pick up small objects
- Scissor skills and cutting shapes
- Building with Lego or construction toys
- Stirring, scooping, or using kitchen tools
Encouraging Good Posture and Grip
Children should:
- Sit at a table with feet flat on the floor and back straight
- Keep knees and elbows at right angles
- Use their non-writing hand to hold the paper steady
- Tilt the paper slightly (to the left for right-handers, to the right for left-handers)
- Hold the pencil using a relaxed tripod grip (thumb, index and middle finger)
Correct posture supports stamina and concentration, helping children focus on forming letters neatly and efficiently.
Making Writing Enjoyable
Encourage mark-making and early writing through fun, low-pressure activities:
- Drawing or writing with chalks or water outside
- Tracing letters in sand, rice or shaving foam
- Writing shopping lists or cards together
- Using short, positive reminders such as “feet flat, back straight, steady hand”