What you’ll gain from attending:

• Understand the essential foundations that underpin writing, such as motor development, auditory and visual discrimination, narrative development, a positive sense of themselves as writers and how to securely establish these in the youngest learners.
• Identify and respond to gaps in older children’s foundational knowledge, with supportive strategies that rebuild confidence and competence without shame
• Acquire tools, confidence, and clarity to support young writers to think deeply, express themselves freely, and engage fully.
• Rethink traditional primary literacy lesson structures to maximise opportunities for language play, vocabulary building, and grammar development, before children even pick up a pencil.
• Create a programme of meaningful, memorable writing experiences that engage learners and nurture creativity.
• Examine the adult’s role in breaking down barriers for reluctant writers whilst extending those working at greater depth.
• Build a bank of strategies for teaching text and sentence structure, alongside vocabulary and language choices for a wide range of genres.
• Explore playful, practical approaches that ensure oral language directly improves the quality of written outcomes.
• Online follow-up support to reflect on the impact of the in-person sessions and to help identify next steps for implementation.

Overview:

Day 1 – Laying the foundations
Building core skills for writing, from physical and language development through to narrative skills and positive writer identity.

Day 2 – Inspiring writing through play, passion, and purpose
Harnessing children’s interests and the science of learning to create authentic, engaging writing opportunities that meet curriculum demands.

Day 3 – Extending practice and planning forward
Differentiating for diverse needs, embedding playful approaches, and developing tailored action plans for sustained impact.

2 x 1.5 online impact evaluation sessions will take place in March and May 2026 (dates TBC)

Who should attend?

• Early Years & Primary Teachers (Nursery–Y4) seeking practical ways to support all children as confident writers.
• Literacy Leaders & Phase Leaders who want to build a coherent, inspiring approach to writing across phases.
• Senior Leaders looking for high-impact strategies to raise writing standards while nurturing creativity and child-led learning.

Course Leaders:

Kym Scott
International early childhood consultant,  with a reputation for igniting change through deep, developmental understanding and practical application. Kym brings a passion for play, child development, and teacher empowerment.

Jonny Allams
Playful literacy specialist and experienced primary consultant, known for his creative, accessible approach to writing instruction. Jonny specialises in integrating high standards with joyful teaching practices.