Please explore the following information and resources to help in planning and implementing teaching.
Handwriting in the curriculum
For many schools in England guidance for teaching handwriting is found in the National Curriculum. The following links provide an overview of the curriculum requirements and some considerations that need addressing when implementing them.
- For an overview of the Statutory Curriculum for different ages and Key Stages, please see here.
- For specific information about handwriting in the Early Years Foundation Stage, please see here.
- For specific information about handwriting in the National Curriculum (Key Stages 1 and 2), please see here.
Written resources
- The NHA offers free downloadable resources. We have Printable Line Guides to use for teaching alignment. These printable line guides help to secure the correct positioning of letters before joining is taught, and may also be required by older children as part of intervention strategies.
- Also we have a Good Practice for Teaching Handwriting Toolkit and the Handwriting Patterns Playbook.
- We recommend that all schools develop a handwriting policy to ensure effective practice. Please investigate our new 2019 edition of Developing a Handwriting Policy: A Practical Guide for Schools.
- We publish books on other handwriting topics.
- 10 short, succinct Tips for Teaching are available on card or as a download that might help you in your work. Note that there are reduced rates for members of NHA, and the Tips for Teaching may be downloaded free by members.
- Consult our section About Handwriting Difficulties.
- There are some responses to general questions in FAQs.
Other resources
- Take a look at our suggested apps for teaching handwriting.
- You could sign up for a handwriting course.
- You could take an NHA online short course.
- Or arrange for our in-service team to visit your school.
