How to navigate the writing framework

The writing framework is non-statutory guidance for primary school teachers and leaders, published by the Department for Education. These articles help you to navigate the writing framework. Each focuses on a key area of writing and offers practical tips, reflection questions and action steps you can use to support your school’s ongoing writing journey.

What is the writing framework and how will it help schools?

Literacy expert Sarah Scott explains what the Department for Education's writing framework is and how primary school teachers and leaders can use it to support your school's writing journey.
Why writing matters and how schools can strengthen it

By putting writing at the heart of your teaching, you set your pupils up for success not just in the classroom, but wherever life takes them. This article helps teachers and school leaders to use the Department for Education's writing framework. It covers the foundations of transcription and composition and how working memory and executive function play a part in writing. It explores what makes writing complex and challenging, and helps you to reflect and act on ways to target your teaching where it matters most.
Four ways to strengthen writing in Reception

Reception is a crucial time for building the foundations of writing, but it’s just one part of a much bigger picture. This article helps teachers and school leaders to use the Department for Education's writing framework. It explores four ways you can strengthen writing in Reception through fostering a love of language, creating a writing community, mastering transcription, and giving explicit handwriting instruction to prepare children for Key Stage 1 and beyond.
How to teach handwriting

By making handwriting a core part of your teaching, you give pupils the confidence and fluency they need to thrive as writers. This article helps teachers and school leaders understand why handwriting matters and how it underpins writing success. You’ll find practical guidance on developing handwriting skills, supporting physical development, and weaving regular practice into daily routines, so that every pupil can build strong foundations for writing, both in school and beyond.
How to teach spelling: a crucial part of writing

Putting spelling at the centre of your teaching will help pupils unlock confidence and creativity in their writing. We offer practical guidance to show why strong, explicit spelling instruction matters from the very start, and how it supports writing success. Discover clear strategies, engaging activities and prompts to help you reflect on your approach. Prioritising spelling means every pupil can move past the basics and enjoy the creative side of writing.
Why sentence-building is a foundation of great writing – and how to teach it

Sentences are the foundation of great writing, they help pupils become confident writers. Mastering sentences supports the shift from spoken to written language. This article explores why sentence-building matters, how it supports pupils to construct clear, engaging writing, and what effective teaching looks like in practice. With strong sentence skills, pupils can write with clarity and confidence.
How to help pupils master composition in writing

Effective writing is a process, moving through stages such as planning, drafting, editing and sharing. Discover how guiding pupils through each step helps them organise ideas, build confidence and refine their language. By supporting every stage, you'll help pupils develop the skills to express themselves clearly and creatively in their writing.
How to help children see themselves as writers

When pupils believe they have something worth saying, writing suddenly feels different. It’s not just a task to finish, but a way to share who they are and what matters to them. This article explores why writer identity matters, how it shapes pupils’ engagement, and what you can do to help every child see themselves as a writer.
How can teachers support pupils who struggle with writing?

Writing can feel easy for some pupils, but for others it’s a real challenge. With the right support, every child can grow as a writer. Discover practical strategies to spot barriers, boost progress and celebrate every pupil’s achievements in writing.
Why writing across the curriculum matters – and how to embed it

Writing plays a vital role in every lesson. When pupils write to explain, describe or reflect, they deepen their understanding and strengthen their memory of what they’ve learned. Explore why writing across the curriculum matters and practical routines you can embed in any subject.