At Shap CE Primary School we believe that clear, fluent handwriting supports children to become confident writers. When handwriting becomes automatic, children can focus on their ideas, spelling and sentence construction rather than the physical act of writing.

We teach a continuous cursive handwriting style across the school. This consistent approach helps children form letters correctly, develop fluent joins and improve writing speed and legibility.

Handwriting is explicitly taught and practised regularly in every year group, and children are expected to apply their handwriting skills across all areas of the curriculum.

How Handwriting Develops

Early Years (Reception)
Children develop the fine motor control needed for writing and learn letter formation.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2)
Children secure correct letter formation and begin joining letters.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6)
Children develop fluent, joined handwriting with increasing speed, consistency and stamina.

Supporting Handwriting at Home

Parents and carers can support handwriting development by:

• Encouraging correct pencil grip

• Providing opportunities for drawing, colouring and writing

• Practising letter formation or spelling patterns

• Supporting activities that develop fine motor control (e.g. Lego, playdough, threading, cutting)

• Further Information

  You can read more about our approach in the document below.