Handwriting, the 2025 Writing Framework, and Reluctant Writers with Nicky Parr

Good Morning!

Handwriting is one of those areas that everyone can see but very few people feel truly confident about. It is visible in every book, every lesson and every display, yet for many children it is physically uncomfortable, emotionally loaded and quietly holding back their writing.

At the same time, the 2025 Writing Framework has brought handwriting back into sharp focus. It asks teachers to model good handwriting across the curriculum and makes clear that school leaders have a responsibility to secure it. For staff who already feel stretched, that can be daunting.

This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education I’m joined by handwriting specialist Nicky Parr to dig into all of this.

Nicky talks about how her experience as a teacher and as a parent of a neurodivergent child led her into specialist handwriting work. She describes what she looks for when she walks into a classroom: posture, pen hold, paper and book position, how lines are being used, and which children are quietly hiding their writing. She also unpicks why handwriting has “slipped into the shadows” of reading, why it is actually a complex motor and cognitive skill, and what the new Writing Framework is really asking for.

We also explore the uneasy relationship between handwriting and technology. Nicky explains how we have ended up pitching handwriting and typing against each other, and why it is more helpful to see them as separate, important skills rather than rivals.

If you have pupils who avoid writing because it feels too hard, or colleagues who are worried their own handwriting is “not good enough” to model, I think you will find this conversation both validating and practically useful.

As ever, I’d love to hear what it prompts in your context, especially in light of the new Writing Framework.

A link to wherever you get your podcasts…

YouTube Audio

Recommendations

Thinking Deeply about…sitting posture for writing! - Nicky Parr (Exclusive)

Nicky’s Socials

Atomic Habits - James Clear

Thinking in Pictures - Temple Grandin

Visual Summary

TDaPE Conference London 2026

Tickets are now on sale here and going fast, and we’re offering discounted rates for larger groups via email or direct message. Interest is already running ahead of last year’s event, so it’s well worth securing your place sooner rather than later. The image above is the second of four which reveal the wonderful speakers we have presenting at #TDaPELondon26.

The Story of Maths

Listening Certificates

If you are listening in a jurisdiction with mandatory PD hours, certificates are available for listening to TDaPE episodes. For every form completed (click here) we’ll send a certificate to acknowledge your commitment to your continued professional development.

Thank you to everyone who shared last week’s episode – it genuinely helps more teachers find their way into the conversation. If you know someone who enjoys thinking carefully about their professional development, please do pass the link on.

That’s all for this week. I’d love to hear what it sparks for you, or any questions it raises – leave a comment wherever you listen, or just hit reply to this email.

Until next time, thank you for listening.