Handwriting is a key part of the English National Curriculum (2014) because fluent, legible handwriting supports pupils to write more efficiently, freeing up attention for spelling, vocabulary and composition. The curriculum makes clear that handwriting needs frequent, direct teaching, with pupils learning to form letters correctly and then developing fluent, joined handwriting across their independent writing as they move through primary school.

 

At our school, all children from Reception to Year 6 take part in daily handwriting sessions using the Kinetic Letters programme. Children begin by securing correct formation of individual letters, then practise letter families and patterns, before progressing to pairs of letters, whole words, and eventually consistent joining at an appropriate stage. This structured progression helps children build automaticity, confidence and pride in presentation. By Year 6, pupils are still encouraged to apply the Kinetic Letters approach; however, we also recognise that many children develop a personal handwriting style. At this stage, pupils may use their own style as long as it remains neat, legible and joined, enabling them to write fluently and present their work clearly across the curriculum.