Teaching Handwriting ✍🏼
In July 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) in England published The Writing Framework. This comprehensive non-statutory guidance sets out to support teaching in primary schools, helping them better meet the statutory expectations of the National Curriculum.
Handwriting, a foundational transcription skill that has seen marked deterioration in recent years, is considered at length. Indeed, never before has such detailed guidance on teaching handwriting been communicated by a national body.
Since founding Better Handwritten in 2019, I’ve worked with school leaders and teachers to develop the knowledge, systems and processes needed to teach handwriting effectively — and right now, I’m excited. We have an opportunity to prioritise improving provision for all children… to focus attention on handwriting. The Writing Framework not only gives permission but sets a clear expectation.
I have to say, I think it’s a fantastic piece of work. But it’s not going to be easy for schools to unpack the content and implement the guidance. It will be a journey — one that takes the time it takes — threading its way through the crowded reality of school life.
This is why I’m starting the Handwriting Matters newsletter now: to join you on that journey, help with the unpacking, and share all I’ve learned — and continue to learn — about teaching handwriting.
And as I said… I’m excited!
If you’re a school leader, subject lead, class teacher, initial teacher trainer, early years provider, specialist tutor or secondary colleague (or none of the above and simply interested!) and value developing your knowledge and understanding step-by-step, week-by-week, I’d love you to walk with me.
If handwriting matters to you, and you’re ready to think deeply about handwriting matters, subscribe below and let’s get started!
New posts every Thursday.
And from the end of February 2026, you can upgrade to become a founder member of the Handwriting Matters Group, with access to:
archived posts
additional posts & resources
recorded training
live group support
With all good wishes,
Next time: ‘Learning to write is one of the hardest challenges pupils face at school…’