At Flanshaw Junior, Infant and Nursery School we recognise that fluent handwriting requires a strong physical foundation. Our children are explicitly taught the necessary skills to needed for fluent, comfortable writing

 In the Early Years, practitioners focus upon developing Gross and Fine Motor Skills. These Physical skills provide children with the dexterity and strength needed for letter formation and handwriting. 'Finger Gym' activities enable children to strengthen their hand muscles, refine their hand eye co-ordination and develop an appropriate pencil grip in preparation for writing. This includes pinching playdough, cutting paper, threading beads and using tweezers. Pupils also develop upper body core strength through gross motor movements in both the indoor and outdoor learning environment.

Children in Nursery are introduced to gross motor movements through the 'Wiggle me into a Squiggle' programme. This then progresses to 'Squiggle Whilst you Wiggle'.