Handwriting

At Bushbury Lane Academy, we believe that handwriting is a vital life skill. Clear, fluent and legible handwriting enables children to communicate their ideas effectively and confidently, helping them to achieve their full potential across the curriculum. We recognise that when children can write automatically and accurately, they are able to focus more fully on the content and quality of their writing.

To support this, we follow the Nelson Handwriting programme, a structured and progressive approach that develops handwriting skills from the earliest stages of mark-making through to fluent, individual handwriting styles. Rather than adopting a rigid "one size fits all" model, the programme supports children in developing a personal handwriting style built upon strong foundations of correct letter formation and fluent joins.

Our Handwriting Journey

Our handwriting curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that children develop the skills they need at each stage of their education.

Reception

Development of fine motor skills and pencil control
Pre-writing patterns and mark-making
Correct letter formation
Formation of numerals
Opportunities to apply handwriting skills through early writing activities

Key Stage 1

Secure letter formation and orientation
Consistent sizing and positioning of letters
Introduction and mastery of letter joins
Development of neat, legible handwriting
Regular opportunities to apply handwriting skills within writing lessons

Lower Key Stage 2

Increasing fluency and consistency
Developing joined handwriting across all written work
Writing with greater accuracy, spacing and presentation
Introduction to writing with a natural slant where appropriate

Upper Key Stage 2

Improving speed, stamina and fluency
Maintaining legibility across longer pieces of writing
Developing an individual, mature handwriting style
Using handwriting effectively for different audiences and purposes

Handwriting Across the Curriculum

Handwriting is taught explicitly through discrete lessons and is reinforced in all areas of the curriculum. Children are expected to apply the handwriting skills they have been taught in every subject, helping them to take pride in the presentation of their work.

Strong links are made between handwriting, phonics, spelling, vocabulary and writing, ensuring that children understand handwriting as an integral part of communication rather than a standalone skill.

Our Aim

Through high-quality teaching, regular practice and high expectations, we aim for every child to leave primary school with handwriting that is:

Fluent and automatic
Neat and legible
Correctly formed and joined
Appropriate for purpose and audience
A source of pride and confidence

By developing these skills from the earliest years, we equip our pupils with a lifelong tool that will support their success both within school and beyond.