Handwriting Policy and Practice in English Primary Schools

For many years, handwriting has been the 'cinderella skill' of literacy. Unless children are taught to write legibly and at speed, however, their educational achievements may be considerably reduced and their self-esteem affected. The ability to handwrite legibly is not an optional extra; it is essential for everyone even in this age of computer technology. Based on a survey of primary schools in the UK, this book provides detailed information about how schools are making provision for handwriting teaching within the National Literacy Strategy. The recommendations for good practice will be helpful for literacy advisers, literacy co-ordinators, SENCOs and primary school teachers. There is little time for primary education students to focus on handwriting as part of their initial training, so they too will find this book invaluable.