Handwriting

John Betts Primary School

Handwriting

Handwriting at John Betts

Handwriting is taught progressively across the school to ensure that pupils develop a fluent, legible and confident style. From the earliest stages in Reception, pupils are supported in establishing a dynamic tripod grip. This is nurtured through a range of fine and gross motor activities—such as dough disco, threading and other strengthening tasks—which build the foundational control required for effective handwriting.

As pupils move through the school, handwriting skills are developed in a carefully structured progression, using an adapted version of Nelson Handwriting. Early emphasis is placed on a dynamic tripod grip, correct letter formation, consistent sizing and appropriate spacing. These skills are then refined and embedded throughout Key Stage 1 and lower Key Stage 2, enabling pupils to write with increasing accuracy and fluency. Little Wandle mneumonics and visuals are used to support letter formation.

By Years 5 and 6, pupils focus on enhancing speed and personal handwriting style, applying their skills confidently across all areas of the curriculum. This ensures that by the end of primary school, they are equipped with a mature, efficient and legible handwriting style that supports their learning and prepares them for the demands of secondary education.

Each year, children across KS1 and KS2 have the opportunity to be awarded their pen licence. This is awarded to children who consistently show neat and joined handwriting in all of their books, with correct letter formation and pencil grip. Class Teachers will monitor and guide each child on this journey and when they think they are ready, a child can go and show a member of the leadership team their books.

Every English lesson begins with handwriting, allowing teachers to explicitly model and pupils to practise with immediate feedback.

Gross motor skills groups are run weekly as an intervention to support handwriting.