From September, schools will begin implementing the Department for Education’s newly published Writing Framework. This marks a significant change in the way handwriting is taught in the classroom, ensuring that every child receives consistent, evidence-based teaching.
Morrells Handwriting, led by Sue Smits, is proud to have contributed to this important government framework, providing specialist knowledge that has shaped the guidance for teachers and schools.
In this blog, we explain why the Writing Framework matters and what it means for teachers, pupils, and the future of handwriting in schools.
What is the Writing Framework?
The Writing Framework is designed to bring clarity and consistency to the way handwriting and writing are taught from Reception through to Key Stage 2.
It provides practical guidance, tools and methods to help teachers embed writing across all subjects, rather than restricting it to English or Literacy lessons.
A central theme is fluency: fluent handwriting frees up children’s working memory, allowing them to focus on content, creativity, and accuracy.
The framework makes clear the consequences of slow or difficult writing – pupils can become frustrated, fall behind in other areas of learning, and lose confidence in their abilities.
Why it matters to teachers
For teachers, the Writing Framework provides a clear blueprint for consistent and confident handwriting teaching.
Rather than relying on mixed approaches or outdated methods, teachers are now supported with clear, evidence-based guidance on how handwriting should be taught at each stage of a child’s education. From first letter formation in Reception through to joined writing in Key Stage 2, the framework ensures that pupils progress at the right pace, only moving forward when they are developmentally ready.
It also encourages teachers to think beyond English or Literacy lessons and integrate handwriting across the wider curriculum. This shift provides teachers with the knowledge and tools they need to support pupils of all abilities and helps ensure that writing is no longer treated as a stand-alone subject, but as a foundational skill for learning.
Why it matters to pupils
For pupils, the Writing Framework provides a platform for stronger foundations in handwriting, which in turn supports their broader development and progress through the education system.
By giving children the time and structure they need to master each stage of handwriting, the framework helps them to build confidence and develop fluency without unnecessary pressure.
Pupils will also benefit from increased attention and support from teachers in every subject, not just English.
Writing becomes a tool they can rely on across the curriculum, helping them to express their knowledge in all subjects and deliver to the full-potential of their academic ability, without being penalised as a result of poor handwriting.
Morrells Handwriting’s role and insights
Morrells Handwriting has played an influential role in shaping the Writing Framework, with Sue Smits contributing her expertise to ensure the guidance reflects the realities of classroom teaching.
Sue has been engaged in handwriting policy discussions with the Government from the very beginning, advocating for an approach that is both centred on key developmental stages and provides children with the required space and time to master handwriting.
Her insights have been instrumental in challenging the widespread push for early cursive writing before pupils are ready, and in highlighting the importance of supporting left-handed children, who often face additional barriers when learning to write.
Through her early involvement, Sue helped shape the framework to emphasise correct letter-family formation, good posture, and clear developmental stages that enable pupils to succeed step by step.
This contribution ensures that the framework is not only grounded in research but also enriched with practical methods that reflect the needs of pupils and teachers alike.
Action to prepare for implementation
To make the most of the new framework, schools should:
- Review the Writing Framework in detail and audit current methods to identify areas for change or adaptation.
- Create a whole-school implementation plan, embedding handwriting routines in Reception and KS1 and building progression through KS2.
- Invest in teacher training to ensure staff have the confidence and knowledge to deliver consistent handwriting instruction.
- Regularly review pupil progress, monitoring handwriting fluency and composition skills to ensure pupils are developing as confident writers.
The new DfE Writing Framework is a milestone for handwriting, ensuring a consistent, structured, and inclusive approach across primary schools.
This framework gives every child the foundation they need to succeed both in school and beyond.