Handwriting
At Sandy Lane, we believe that handwriting is a foundational skill that enables children to communicate their ideas swiftly and confidently. We are delighted to introduce our comprehensive whole-school approach to the teaching of handwriting, ensuring a systematic and progressive curriculum for all our pupils.
Our Vision
Our goal is for every child to develop a fluent, legible, and efficient style of writing. We have designed a journey that takes children from systematic mark-making in the Early Years, through to precise letter formation in Key Stage 1, and onto a joined, fluent style in Key Stage 2 using our new partner scheme, Letter-join.
A Note on Transition for Key Stage 2:
As we introduce our new scheme, we do not expect children in KS2 to ‘unlearn’ a fluent and legible style of writing they have already mastered. However, we want to ensure that all children are confident in their technique to support them in writing across the curriculum.
Implementation: The Journey Through the School
Handwriting is taught explicitly and practiced regularly. Each key stage follows an agreed programme to ensure continuity and progression.
Nursery: Foundations of Movement
Programme: Squiggle While You Wiggle
In Nursery, handwriting development focuses on gross and fine motor skills. Before a child can hold a pencil effectively, they must have shoulder stability and arm control.
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Focus: Strengthening core muscles and developing early mark-making confidence.
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Method: We use music, ribbons, and large movements to introduce patterns that underpin later handwriting.
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Practice: Opportunities for mark-making are embedded in sessions, Tummy Time, and continuous provision.
Reception & Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2): Accuracy and Formation
Programme: Read Write Inc. (RWInc)
Handwriting is taught daily alongside our phonics approach. This ensures consistency between what children read and how they write.
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Focus: Securing correct letter formation, grip, posture, and writing directionality.
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Method: We use RWInc phrases and pathways to help children visualize how to form letters.
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Progression: Children move from accurate formation to developing consistent size and spacing. Simple diagonal joins are introduced at the end of KS1 where appropriate.
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Tools: Children use specific handwriting guideline books and pencils appropriate to their needs (e.g., thicker pencils for early stages).
Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6): Fluency and Style
Programme: Letter-join
In KS2, pupils move to a joined, fluent handwriting style. We explicitly teach handwriting three times within each writing unit to refine presentation skills.
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The Transition (Year 3): We have made a deliberate choice to keep fidelity to RWInc in print but move to Letter-join for a joined style. Please note that the letters 'f' and 'k' are formed differently in Letter-join compared to RWInc. This is taught explicitly to help children transition smoothly.
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Focus: Increasing speed, fluency, and maintaining neatness in extended writing across all subjects.
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Moving to Pen: We do not use a "pen licence" approach. Instead, pupils move to writing in pen in Year 4. We expect pupils to write using a free-flowing fibre-tipped pen as a natural part of their progression.
Inclusion and Support
We recognise that every child’s fine motor development is different. We provide adaptations and support to ensure every pupil can succeed, including:
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Fine motor interventions and targeted small-group sessions.
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The use of pencil grips, alternative writing tools, or adapted paper (e.g., larger line spacing).
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Acceptance of printing rather than joining if it aids legibility for the reader.
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Typing or individualised plans for pupils with physical barriers to writing.
📥 Handwriting Parent Pack
To see exactly how we teach handwriting and how you can support your child at home, please download our full guide below.