Writing

English Writing Vision

(Updated January 2026)

Intent

At Sutton St James Primary School, we strive to ensure that all children develop a secure understanding of English and can communicate confidently through both spoken and written language. Our progressive curriculum builds on prior learning, supported by regular assessment to help every child reach their full potential. We provide inclusive, engaging and high-quality learning experiences so that pupils leave as confident, capable and independent writers. They understand the purpose and value of writing and take enjoyment in the writing process.

We aim for pupils to:

• Develop a strong foundation in phonics to support fluent writing.
• Enhance spoken language through debate, drama, and discussion inspired by texts.
• Write clearly, accurately, and coherently, adapting style and language for different audiences and purposes.
• Gain a secure understanding of grammar and apply it effectively in their writing.
• Build a rich vocabulary and spell accurately using learned rules and patterns.
• Take pride in their work by developing a fluent, legible, and joined handwriting style by the end of Key Stage 2.

Implementation

Our approach places high-quality texts at the centre of learning, enabling teachers to use them as a meaningful context for delivering the National Curriculum. This aligns with the curriculum’s intention to provide a flexible framework that supports creative and engaging teaching.

We prioritise purposeful and authentic writing opportunities, ensuring tasks have a clear audience and meaningful context. Wherever possible, writing is linked to texts or other areas of the curriculum, giving children real reasons to write, whether to inform, explain, persuade, or discuss.

Writing in role and across a range of genres is central to our approach. Teachers model appropriate tone and levels of formality, supporting pupils to adapt their writing effectively for different contexts.

Key objectives are revisited throughout the year, allowing children to deepen their understanding and consolidate prior learning. Planning is adapted where necessary to ensure all pupils, including those requiring additional support, can access learning effectively.

Within each English unit, pupils will:

• Take part in drama and spoken language activities.
• Explore features of different text types through examples.
• Practise and develop handwriting skills.
• Expand vocabulary, including subject-specific language.
• Engage in shared and modelled writing.
• Learn spelling, grammar and punctuation within lessons.
• Plan, draft, edit and improve their work.
• Write independently for a clear audience.
• Share or perform their writing with others.

Detailed expectations can be found in the Writing Progression Maps.

Handwriting

• Handwriting is a vital skill and by the end of Key Stage 2, all pupils are expected to write using a fluent, joined and personal style. Children are taught correct posture, pencil grip and the importance of presenting work neatly and clearly.
• In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children begin by exploring mark-making and giving meaning to their marks. They progress to forming recognisable letters with correct formation. By the end of EYFS, most children can write simple sentences that are legible to others.
• From Year 1 to Year 6, handwriting is taught regularly and progressively to ensure continued development.

Impact

Our goal is for pupils to leave Sutton St James Primary School as confident and skilled writers with a strong understanding of all aspects of writing.

We measure the impact of our writing curriculum through:

• Ensuring full coverage of National Curriculum requirements in each year group.
• Ongoing assessment to track progress and identify next steps.
• Regular internal and external moderation to support accurate teacher judgement.
• Monitoring through book scrutiny, pupil voice and staff discussions.
• Providing feedback, both verbal and written, to support improvement.
• Leadership evaluation to identify priorities for development.
• Tracking progress over time to ensure all pupils make strong progress from their starting points.