Handwriting is a fundamental skill that supports literacy, cognitive development, and academic success. It remains essential even in a digital age, as fluent handwriting:

•Develops fine motor skills and executive function.

•Enhances memory, spelling, and composition.

•Enables children to write quickly and legibly for assessments.

At Holy Family, handwriting is taught daily in discrete sessions, beginning in Reception alongside phonics. Each session should start with warm-up routines and posture checks before writing. What follows is direct, explicit modelling. This modelled practice is followed by guided and independent practice. At all opportunities teachers and support staff consistently model high-quality handwriting.

Every handwriting lesson includes observation of key criteria:

•Posture – the child sits correctly with feet flat, knees at 90°, and back supported.

•Pencil grip – the tripod grip is used consistently.

•Paper position – the paper is tilted appropriately for the child’s dominant hand.

•Pressure – the child applies appropriate pressure when writing.