Early Writing in EYFS and KS1 - Get Writing! (Read Write Inc)

At St John's, children in EYFS begin their early writing journey building upon the letters (graphemes) and sounds (phonemes) they have learnt in their RWI phonics sessions. They use 'Fred fingers' to help them spell simple words (e.g mat, cot, dig), matching the sounds they can hear to writing the letters from their alphabet charts. Children begin to learn letter formation rhymes, tricky red word spellings and punctuation through oral rehearsal of sentences before writing. By the Spring term in EYFS, most children move onto the Get Writing element of the RWI programme. This continues until most children are ready to exit the RWI programme by Christmas in Year 2.

The children:

• learn to write and form the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds with the help of fun phrases
• learn to write words by using Fred Talk
• learn to build sentences by practising sentences out loud before they write

The Get Writing! Books contain a range of writing activities for each of the phonic Storybooks and selected Non-fiction books for an effective approach to teaching early reading and writing. Step-by-step guidance helps children move from writing simple sentences to extended texts such as invitations, letters, descriptive texts and non-fiction texts.

Get writing books support children by:

• Providing longer composition activities are based on a new six-step process with lots of oral rehearsal and role play so children are full of ideas before they write
• Using check boxes throughout the books prompt children to proofread and review their writing, helping them to make sustained progress.

Pathways To Write (Year 2 onwards)

We follow a Mastery approach to English through the programme ‘Pathways to Write.’ Units of work are delivered using high quality texts and children in all year groups are given varied opportunities for writing. Skills are built up through repetition within the units, and children apply these skills in the writing activities provided.  Many opportunities for widening children’s vocabulary are given through the Pathways to Write approach and this builds on the extensive work we do in school to provide our children with a rich and varied vocabulary.  

 You will find the end of year expectations for writing, reading and spoken language for each of our year groups in the attached documents. For further detail on the skills that your children are learning on a termly basis, please contact your class teacher.

Pathways To Spell

At our school, spelling is taught through Pathways to Spell, a research-based program that helps students develop strong and confident spelling skills. The approach is systematic and engaging, giving children clear strategies to understand spelling patterns, sounds, and word structures. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge, ensuring that every student can progress at their own pace.

By using Pathways to Spell, we equip students not only with the ability to spell accurately, but also with the skills to apply their learning across reading and writing. This creates a consistent, whole-school approach that supports literacy growth and helps every child become a more effective communicator

Handwriting 

At our school, handwriting is taught in each year group using the Nelson Handwriting scheme. This provides a clear and consistent approach to developing fluent, legible, and confident handwriting skills. Lessons are carefully structured to support children as they move from forming individual letters to writing with joined, flowing script.

Handwriting begins in the Foundation Stage, where children are introduced to letter formation through Read Write Inc.. This early focus on correct formation lays the foundations for neat, confident writing and prepares pupils for the Nelson Handwriting progression in later years.

By following these approaches, students learn correct letter formation, spacing, and presentation, which helps them take pride in their written work and communicate effectively. The scheme builds progressively year by year, ensuring that all children develop handwriting that supports their wider learning across the curriculum.