Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
At Lanivet, we recognise that the writing journey begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Writing develops alongside all areas of learning, particularly communication and language, reading and mathematics. We introduce children to letter formation through the Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics programme, ensuring that early writing develops alongside early reading.
At Lanivet, we know that developing the correct pencil grip from the beginning is essential. Children are explicitly taught how to hold a pencil correctly so they can form letters comfortably and efficiently as their writing develops. Adults model and support correct pencil grip throughout the day so that good habits are established early.
To support transcription, we provide many opportunities for children to develop finger strength, hand control and coordination. At Lanivet, we know that strong writers first need strong hands. In the early stages, children learn these skills through a wide range of fun, play-based experiences. Carefully planned provision helps children develop both fine and gross motor skills in preparation for writing. Activities such as squashing, squeezing and rolling playdough, cutting, stamping, dot painting with cotton buds, and brushing and painting with large brushes outdoors all help build the strength and coordination needed for confident and independent writing.
At Lanivet, children begin their writing journey through active learning sessions where they explore mark-making and early writing in fun and engaging ways. As a whole class, we focus on a carefully selected story or text over a two-week period. During this time, children work closely with adults to complete a range of exciting activities designed to develop vocabulary, imagination and early writing skills.
For example, when exploring The Hungry Caterpillar, children might create their own caterpillars, explore the story through a themed tuff tray, make playdough butterflies and paint while discussing new vocabulary from the story. At Lanivet, we place great importance on talk, so children verbally rehearse ideas and sentences before writing. As their confidence grows, children begin to make meaningful marks on paper and those who are ready begin to write letters, words and simple sentences linked to the story.
Key Stage 1
At Lanivet, we build on the strong foundations established in EYFS as children move into Key Stage 1. From EYFS to KS1 we follow the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics programme, developed by Ruth Miskin, to support the development of early reading and writing. In March 2026, we introduced the RWI Get Writing! scheme to further strengthen writing outcomes.
Children are gradually introduced to writing sentences, beginning with Ditty–Red books. Activities are closely linked to the RWI Storybooks and selected non-fiction texts so that children can make clear connections between their reading and writing.
At Lanivet, children are supported at every stage of their writing journey. They progress from writing simple sentences to producing longer pieces such as letters, invitations, descriptive texts and non-fiction reports. Longer writing tasks follow a structured six-step process, with plenty of opportunities for oral rehearsal, discussion and role play so that children develop ideas before they begin writing.
We continue to explicitly teach key foundational writing skills, including correct pencil grip, accurate letter formation, sentence construction, spelling using phonics knowledge and proofreading their work. Check boxes within the books encourage children to review and edit their writing, supporting independence and sustained progress.
Through these carefully planned approaches, children at Lanivet develop the confidence, skills and independence needed to succeed in writing as they transition into Key Stage 2.