Handwriting in an important part of the English curriculum and a skill which supports all areas of the National Curriculum. The emphasis on handwriting has increased significantly in recent years. Below are the handwriting expectations for children in Key Stage 1 and 2 as set out in the National Curriculum:

Key Stage 1

• Form lower case letters that are all the same size
• Use diagonal and horizontal strokes to join letters
• Know which letter are break letters
• Write capital letters, lower case letters and numbers the right way, the correct size relative to each other
• Use spacing between words which fit with the size of the letters

Key Stage 2

• Shape their letters correctly
• Produce legible joined writing
• Maintaining legibility, fluency and speed in handwriting through choosing whether or not to join specific letters

When children incorrectly form letters, this leads to them experiencing difficulties in joining up their handwriting. This prevents them from making good progress towards achieving the end of Key Stage handwriting objectives. If the handwriting expectations are not achieved, this will prevent them achieving the expected standard for their year group.

As a school therefore, we have decided to begin to use and implement cursive handwriting from Reception through to Year 6. On-going research has shown strong links between using a joined cursive handwriting style and the development of more confident writers, improved spelling skills and writing fluency.

There are many other advantages of using cursive handwriting, such as;

• Children will always know where to start a letter (always from the line)
• Ideas for writing will flow much more freely once joined cursive is mastered
• Cursive handwriting in Dyslexia friendly
• Children learn to join letters very quickly when taught cursive handwriting from an early age
• Children can achieve higher assessment marks in Key Stage 1 and 2
• Handwrtiting speed improves
• Presentation is improved

Below is a copy of the new formation we will be using.

We hope that you will continue to support us, and your children, in this.