Course Aims:
• This course aims to give guidance on all aspects of handwriting to equip educators in implementing The Writing Framework successfully. It will focus on progression in handwriting from EYFS to Year 6 from early mark making and letter formation to legible joined handwriting.
• During this practical full-day course, ways of developing handwriting skills in the early years and the link between physical development and handwriting will be considered. The role of play in building readiness for handwriting and the development of gross and fine motor skills will be examined. Examples of letter families and formations from different programmes will be discussed as we reflect on some suggested reception progression considerations.
• Handwriting should be taught daily in short, focused sessions that prioritise technique, legibility, fluency, and speed. This course will demonstrate how to teach handwriting lessons effectively so that pupils gain automaticity through the explicit, cumulative and engaging teaching of handwriting. Ways of reducing cognitive load will be highlighted.
• The technical elements of handwriting will be explored including ways of structuring supervised teaching that build lasting good habits and writing success for all children including those who are left-handed or those who have special educational needs or disabilities. Strategies for developing an effective posture and grip will be considered as well as the link between handwriting, spelling and composition. Kinaesthetic, high-interest approaches towards developing handwriting will be introduced and demonstrated.
• This course will provide the necessary subject knowledge a school needs when leading and implementing handwriting within a primary school. It will give guidance on all aspects of handwriting which will need to be covered within a school policy, including researching and preparing a handwriting policy and implementing ongoing assessment and specialist intervention.

This course suitable for senior leaders and teachers who deliver handwriting in primary schools and beyond.