9th July 2025

The Government has introduced a new first-of-its-kind Writing Framework to drive language, writing, and spelling in primary schools.

The new framework, which was issued to teachers this week, will provide guidance on planning high quality lessons that build strong writing skills, starting from reception.

The framework aims to create a strong foundation in language, spelling, and handwriting, focusing on reception and continuing throughout primary school.

As part of the new framework, writing tasks will be integrated across all subjects, encouraging children to say words out loud before writing them down and using dictation to write words, phrases, and sentences the teacher says out loud.

Commenting on the new Writing Framework, Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “Far too many children are leaving school unable to write well, holding them back from future success.

“Writing remains a crucial skill for young people to achieve and thrive in school and later in life. We want them to be as confident putting pen to paper as they are posting on TikTok.”

Headteacher and Director at St Matthew’s Research School, Sonia Thompson, said: “The Writing Framework is designed to provide teachers and leaders with evidence informed tools and reflection points.

“It is not a checklist but a guide for improving confidence and practice, which will lead to improved pupil writing outcomes.”

The Writing Framework has been developed with guidance from experts in the sector.