Summary of Key Messages by Jane Branson

Teach handwriting and spelling in reception

janebranson — 2025-09-10 12:54:37 UTC

Teaching handwriting and spelling (transcription) from the reception year is crucial to ensure that these skills become automatic for children. This will free up their working memory for composition.

Writing is complex

janebranson — 2025-09-10 12:55:32 UTC

Writing places significant demands on pupils’ working memory so it is vital to teach it in a sequenced way that helps to manage those demands.

Sentence instruction is essential

janebranson — 2025-09-10 12:56:00 UTC

All writing is made up of sentences. Knowledge of grammar helps pupils to control sentences and convey meaning, but it does not support their writing fluency when taught in isolation.

Spoken language is as important for writing as for reading

janebranson — 2025-09-10 12:56:22 UTC

Pupils should compose orally while they are developing their transcription skills. This can still be valuable even when they can transcribe fluently.

Quality is more important than length

janebranson — 2025-09-10 12:56:48 UTC

Pupils need to master the foundations of writing – handwriting, spelling and sentence construction. They should not be expected to write at length before they are ready.

The reception year is vital

janebranson — 2025-09-10 12:57:06 UTC

The reception year builds the foundations that support pupils’ writing throughout primary school and underpin their future success.

Identify pupils who need additional support from reception

janebranson — 2025-09-10 12:57:51 UTC

Teachers can then adapt their teaching and make it accessible. This includes giving pupils more time and practice so that they can make good progress.

It will take time to tackle all the challenges in teaching writing

janebranson — 2025-09-10 12:58:55 UTC

Schools should concentrate initially on teaching high-quality transcription and sentence instruction, while gradually developing broader writing skills.