The Teaching of Handwriting: Developing Effective Practice – POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

PLEASE NOTE THAT NHA HAS POSTPONED THIS EVENT IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT ADVICE AROUND COVID-19. WE HOPE TO RESCHEDULE AS SOON AS THIS BECOMES POSSIBLE. IF YOU HAVE BOOKED ONTO THIS EVENT, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A REFUND, AND WE WILL LET YOU KNOW AS SOON AS AN ALTERNATIVE DATE HAS BEEN ARRANGED.

A comprehensive 3-day* course presented by the NHA, providing professional development for teachers, school managers, occupational therapists and other professionals involved in the development of handwriting skills.

Course Summary

Day 1: The basics of handwriting development and structured teaching steps.
Day 2: Handwriting progression in the curriculum, statutory assessments, developing a whole school policy, preparation for a professional conversation.
Day 3: Understanding common handwriting difficulties, intervention strategies, supportive technology.
*Although the course is designed as a single module, delegates who are unable to attend all three days may attend single days. However, Day 1 provides the essential understanding for Days 2 and 3.
A certificate of attendance will be issued to those who attend all three days.

Course Programme

Day 1: The basics of handwriting development and teaching steps

Day 1 provides the foundation knowledge to inform the successful development of handwriting skills. It will include an outline of the component skills for ‘handwriting readiness’, preparation for learning and structured teaching steps. Delegates will learn how to apply the two dimensions of effective practice:

Preparation: The P Checks
Teaching Steps: The S Factors

9.30 – 10.00: Registration

Session 1
10.00 – 11.15: Introduction to Handwriting
11.15 – 11.30: COFFEE

 Session 2
11.30 – 12.30: Readiness for Handwriting
12.30 – 1.30: LUNCH

Session 3
1.30 – 2.30: Preparation for Handwriting: Warm-ups and P Checks
2.30 – 2.45: TEA

Session 4
2.30 – 3.45: The Teaching Steps: S Factors
3.45 – 4.00: Question Time
4.15: Finish

Day 1 Presenters
Sessions 1 & 4: Pam Hulme – Handwriting specialist teacher and training provider
Sessions 2 & 3: Joanna Moore – Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Day 2: Handwriting in the curriculum and statutory assessments, developing a successful whole school policy

Day 2 begins by relating the content of Day 1 to the statutory curricular and assessment requirements (EYFS and National Curriculum) and includes  how schools can develop their own framework for progression. This provides essential understanding for subject leadership and for therapists working in partnership with schools. The afternoon will focus on whole school improvement and policy development. The day will end with a summary of good practice to inform professional conversations with statements of Intent, Implementation and Impact.

9.30 – 10.00   Registration

Session 1
10.00 – 11.15: Handwriting: Curriculum, Progression and Assessment
11.15 – 11.30: COFFEE

Session 2
11.30 – 12.30: Handwriting in statutory assessments: myths and reality from an STA moderator
12.30 – 1.30: LUNCH

Session 3
1.30 – 2.30: Implementing successful whole school changes: Whitehill Junior and Highbury Infants’ Schools
2.30 – 2.45: TEA

Session 4
2.45 – 4.00: A Professional Conversation: a summary of best practice
4.00: Question Time
4.15: Finish

Day 2 Presenters
Sessions 1 & 4: Pam Hulme – Handwriting specialist teacher and training provider
Session 2: Lynn Sear – Director of Literacy Tree, STA moderator
Session 3: Steve Mills (Headteacher) & Anna Beresford (Deputy Headteacher) Whitehill Junior School, Antonia Mc Connell Smith (Inclusion Lead, Whitehill Junior and Highbury Infants Schools).

Day 3: Handwriting difficulties, intervention strategies, supporting technology

Day 3 begins with a description of common handwriting difficulties, some of which may require specialist support. Evidence-based intervention strategies will be discussed and effective shared practice based on the Partnering for Change model. The afternoon will provide guidance on keyboarding and helpful apps. The day will finish with a practical session on strategies to motivate struggling and reluctant writers.

9.30 – 10.00: Registration

Session 1
10.00 – 11.00: Common Handwriting Difficulties
11.15 – 11.30: COFFEE

Session 2
11.15 – 12.15: Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies
12.15 – 12.30: Question Time
12.30 – 1.30: LUNCH

Session 3
1.30 – 2.30: A guide to keyboarding
2.30 – 2.45: TEA

Session 4
2.45 – 4.00: Practical strategies to support and motivate children who struggle
4.00 – 4.15: Question Time
4.15: Finish

Day 3 Presenters
Sessions 1 & 2: Dr Mellissa Prunty – Chair of NHA, Senior OT Lecturer
Session 3: Amanda McLeod – Specialist Teacher
Session 4: Catherine Elsey – Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Course Timings and Refreshments

Registration and coffee from 9.30am. The presentations start at 10.00am prompt and the day closes at 4:15pm.

Refreshments are provided at registration, mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Please note that in order to reduce the costs of the course to delegates, lunch will not be provided.
Delegates may wish to bring their own lunch or may wish to use the cafés and other food providers within a 3-minute walk of the venue.

Joining Instructions

Final additional joining instructions will be sent by email one week before the event to the email address given by the delegate. The church building and Parish Hall have wheelchair access. There are no designated parking spaces provided for the course, but a limited number may be available via Just Park.

Terms & Conditions

By submitting a booking, you are agreeing to pay NHA.
You are also agreeing to accept our Cancellation Policy.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation for delegates booked on this course made more than 14 days prior to course commencement will not incur cancellation charges. Cancellations within 5 to 14 days of course commencement will usually incur a 25% cancellation fee, and cancellations between 0 and 5 days of course commencement will usually incur a 50% cancellation fee.

These conditions will be revoked where necessary in the case of public health measures.

Course Prices – Book early and save!

NHA is offering a fantastic reduced rate for members who book early.
NHA Membership is from £18.00 for individual members.

NHA Members Early Bird Rates for bookings before April 30^th
Full 3-day course: £260.00
Single days: £90.00

NHA Members For bookings after April 30^th
Full 3-day course: £280.00
Single days – £100.00

Non NHA Members: Early Bird Rates for bookings before April 30^th
Full 3-day course: £300.00
Single days – £120.00

Non NHA Members: bookings after April 30^th
Full 3-day course: £320.00
Single days – £130.00

Members – Log in to get your member discounts applied automatically to the ticket rates below.