Handwriting at Ingrow Primary School
At Ingrow Primary School, we believe handwriting matters — but it should support learning, not overshadow it. Our approach is rooted in consistency, care and realism: helping children develop fluent, legible handwriting without fatigue, frustration or excessive drilling.
We recognise that handwriting is a physical skill as much as an academic one, requiring strength, coordination and control across the whole body, not just the hand. For this reason, handwriting at Ingrow is taught little but often, with a strong emphasis on good habits built over time.
How handwriting is taught
Handwriting is taught daily, as part of our English sessions. Each lesson begins with a short, focused 10-minute handwriting slot, allowing children to practise key skills regularly without overloading their hands.
During these sessions, children practise:
- Pencil grip and control
- Correct letter formation
- Joins appropriate to their stage of development
- Sitting position and posture
Only a small number of lines are completed, but because this happens every day, the impact is clear and cumulative.
Our whole-school handwriting progression clearly sets out:
- The order in which letter families are taught
- How joins are introduced and developed over time
- Expectations from EYFS through to Upper Key Stage 2
- When children move towards fluency and writing at speed
This ensures that all staff teach handwriting in a consistent way, while remaining responsive to the needs of their class.
Supporting children who need more help
We know that children develop fine motor skills at different rates. For those working below age-related expectations, handwriting is supported through targeted intervention, rather than increased pressure in class.
- Developing fine motor strength
- Improving dexterity and control
- Strengthening the muscles needed for writing
- Supporting posture, shoulder stability and core strength
Crucially, children are never defined by their handwriting. Our aim is to build confidence and control, not anxiety.
Why we teach handwriting this way
- Build strong habits without overloading children
- Improve legibility and fluency over time
- Protect children’s enjoyment of writing
- Ensure handwriting supports extended writing
Celebrating progress and pride
- Clear letter formation
- Increasing fluency and consistency
- Pride in presentation
- Writing produced as part of meaningful learning
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