We recognise that fluent handwriting is part of building automaticity when writing, enabling children to focus on careful choices in other areas of their writing.  Expectations with regard to handwriting and presentation are high and children are encouraged to take pride in their work at all times.  We teach handwriting using the Kinetic Letters scheme and resources.

Our chosen approach focuses on making bodies strong before writing.  This enables children to build the core strength, gross motor skills and fine motor skills needed for writing.  Correct letter formation is taught and modelled in a sequence of letter families that have similar movements.  Children become familiar with “Brave” and “Scared” monkey to support them with letter sizing.  Correct pencil grip, posture and positioning of paper/books are also emphasised during these sessions.  This begins in EYFS and is taught regularly in Key Stage One and into Key Stage Two as required.

Children finding handwriting more challenging may be in receipt of physical literacy interventions or other fine motor interventions to support their development.