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.

To all our Teach Handwriting Scheme schools.

The Department of Education ‘s new writing Framework had me jumping for joy!

At last, they have recognized what an important role teaching handwriting really plays.  Everything we have promoted since 2012 in our website, blogs and since 2016 in our Teach Handwriting schemes for schools is there. 

So, you don’t have to worry, just keep doing what you are doing, using the Teach Handwriting Scheme.

And as our Handwriting Scheme is a one-off payment there is no annual cost to you! WIN, WIN.

“The importance of handwriting in developing pupils’ writing cannot be overstated. Fluent handwriting is a significant predictor of positive writing outcomes, while a lack of such fluency can constrain pupils….”

Department of Education; The writing framework: July 2025; page 31; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-writing-framework

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Learning to handwrite does not start with pen and paper but through play, as children explore shape and motion (how the body moves) through their senses – touch, sight and body awareness. Play is such an important element of your child’s physical, emotional, social and academic development.

It is through play that you can really engage your child in learning how to correctly form pre-handwriting patterns and letters (the start points, orientation, directional movements and finish points).

Our non-pencil – ‘Big to Small’ activities are an easy fun way to start developing these skills early on through play: https://teachhandwriting.co.uk/big-to-small.html

Young children love seeing their name so it is a great way to introduce letter formation; here are some other fun ideas:

• This activity can be done indoors on large sheets of paper or using chalk on a path or patio (the beach is also a great place to do this). Write your child’s name very big and make a mark on each letter that represents a start point (an arrow showing the direction of travel can also help). Remember to use a capital letter for the first letter of their name and we would suggest lower-case letters for the remaining letters. Use the letters as a track for racing cars or toys. If you make the letters big enough your child could walk, hop, jump or skip around the letters. To help them remember the letters, once they have finished a letter, encourage them to say that letter’s alphabet name (NOT a sound the letter can make).
• Collect stones, twigs, leaves, etc…  Use them to make the letters of your child’s name. They may only make one or two of the letters, before making a hedgehog house, nest or den for their toys becomes more interesting, but this does not matter, it is all part of the adventure.
• Feely bag games are a fun way to explore shape and form. Try placing the letters of your child’s name into a bag or box they cannot see into. It is useful to talk through the letter shapes beforehand so they can see them as they move them about in their hands; then place them in the bag. Ask them to put their hands in (both hands if possible, but if not, then use the dominant hand) the bag, picks up a letter, feels it, identifies it and pulls it out to check only AFTER identifying it. If correct, they get to “keep” it, if wrong, you get to “keep” it. The winner is the one with the most letters at the end. For some children it can help to have another set of the letters outside the bag to help them identify the shape they are handling in the bag. Again, encourage them to use the alphabet name of the letter.
• Play-dough, clay and Plasticine activities are great for developing hand strength for handwriting and learning how to form letter shapes.

Your child will love these sort of activities as they see it as just playing and they get your undivided attention. You will enjoy it as you are sharing quality time with your child helping them to develop more than just their letter formation ability but also their communication and social skills.

Learning through play is a powerful way of supporting your child’s development. So have fun and play!

Good Morning Everyone

We have up-dated our look and would like to introduce you to the newest member of our team Morris (yes he is a mole!). You will find him popping up on our website: teachhandwriting.co.uk and Facebook and Twitter accounts.

He always makes me smile I hope he does the same for you.

Take Care

The Teach Children Team