The New Department of Education (UK) Writing Framework; July 2025.

Handwriting and Phonics

In the past EYFS have always explained their concerns that the Teach Handwriting Scheme for Foundation Stage does not follow their phonics schemes handwriting order.

The new writing framework has addressed this stating:

“The order in which letter formation is taught in handwriting lessons differs from the order in which phonemes are introduced in a phonics programme. This is because all phonics programmes teach letters in an order that will generate the most words for reading. Handwriting programmes, in contrast, sequence teaching by grouping letters with similar formation. Pupils should be taught both phonics and handwriting consistently and systematically, in line with the programme for each.”

 Department of Education; The writing framework: July 2025; page 37; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-writing-framework

I could have cried with joy, as this is what we have always said.