Intent

At Hall Green Infant School, we believe that the ability to write legibly, fluently and confidently is a vital life skill. Our handwriting policy aims to ensure that all pupils develop a secure, comfortable and efficient handwriting style that supports their learning across the curriculum.

From Nursery to Year Two, handwriting is taught through a clear, consistent lettering scheme (letter-join) that builds progressively from early mark-making to fluent, joined handwriting. We aim to develop fine motor control, correct letter formation and good writing habits so that handwriting becomes automatic, allowing pupils to focus on the content and quality of their writing rather than the mechanics.

We recognise that children develop at different rates and are committed to providing appropriate support and challenge to ensure every child can achieve success in handwriting.

Implementation

Handwriting is taught explicitly and regularly across the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, following a structured progression.

Nursery

* Children develop early fine motor skills through play-based activities such as threading, dough, painting, tweezers and mark-making.

* Opportunities are provided to make marks using a variety of tools (pencils, crayons, brushes) in both indoor and outdoor environments.

* Children are encouraged to develop correct pencil grip and posture.

* No formal letter formation is expected; the focus is on control, coordination and enjoyment.

Reception

* Children are taught correct letter formation using the letter-join scheme.

* Teaching begins with patterns and pre-writing shapes, progressing to correctly formed lower-case letters.

* Emphasis is placed on:

  * Correct pencil grip

  * Sitting position and paper orientation

  * Starting and finishing letters correctly

* Letters are taught in the letter family groups to support motor memory.

* Handwriting is modelled regularly by adults and practised in short, focused sessions.

Year 1

* Children continue to practise correct formation of all lower-case letters, ensuring consistency in size and orientation.

* Capital letters and digits are introduced with correct formation.

* Children are taught to leave appropriate spaces between words.

* Handwriting practice is reinforced across the curriculum, not just in English lessons.

Year 2

* Children develop fluency and consistency in handwriting.

* Joins are taught explicitly and practised regularly, following the letter-join scheme.

* Children are encouraged to write with increasing speed while maintaining legibility.

* Presentation expectations are reinforced, including:

  * Consistent letter size

  * Clear ascenders and descenders

  * Accurate spacing

* Support and intervention are provided where needed to ensure all pupils make progress.

Across all year groups:

* Teachers model handwriting consistently using the letter-join scheme.

* Left-handed pupils are supported with appropriate positioning and guidance.

* Handwriting expectations are applied consistently across subjects.

* Additional support is provided for pupils who need further practice or intervention.

Impact

By the end of Year 2, pupils will:

* Form letters correctly and consistently

* Use an appropriate pencil grip and posture

* Write legibly with clear spacing between words

* Begin to use joined handwriting where appropriate

* Demonstrate increased confidence and stamina when writing

The progressive approach ensures that handwriting skills are embedded early and developed systematically. As a result, pupils are able to focus on the quality of their ideas and written outcomes, supporting success across the wider curriculum.