We believe that neat and fluent handwriting is an important skill for all of our pupils and their handwriting journey begins as soon as they start at Talbot Primary School.

Upon joining EYFS, pupils handwriting grip will be assessed. This will usually be one of the four grips below:

Once this has been assessed, we work towards all children achieving the tripod grasp before they leave their reception class. Initially, pupils are taught the below method for correctly picking up and holding a pencil.

 

Our EYFS team also ensure that appropriate gross and fine motor activities are delivered which allow for pupils to develop the 'strength to write' as well as a willingness. Letter formation is taught as part of our Phonics scheme - Little Wandle - and through this, pupils will have daily opportunities to practice their printed letter formation as part of lessons. This continues through EYFS and Year 1 where they will also focus on ensuring that letters are of the correct height and size compared to others. 

Letters are taught as being part of 'formation families' which link those that are composed in a similar fashion:

When our pupils join Year 2, a bespoke Handwriting session is taught daily which reviews prior learning and then moves on to teaching cursive letters and joining to write basic words begin to be taught.

In Years 3 & 4, Handwriting continues to be taught in bespoke lessons but a spelling focus is introduced with pupils now beginning to use the joins they have learnt to write words that are commonly misspelt as well as subject specific vocabulary that may be used as part of Writing lessons or throughout the wider curriculum.

In Years 5 & 6, Handwriting is not taught as part of a bespoke lesson and fluent, legible handwriting should now be used across the curriculum. Handwriting interventions are implemented where necessary.