A structured pathway designed to develop the foundational skills required for confident, fluent handwriting.

Roots and Stems focuses on fine motor development, pencil control, letter formation and overall presentation. Sessions are carefully adapted to each child, allowing them to build strength, coordination and control in a way that feels manageable and achievable.

This pathway also includes pre-writing development, supporting children to build the early motor patterns and control needed before formal writing begins. We often find this links naturally with our sensory circuits, helping children to regulate, prepare their bodies for learning and develop the physical readiness needed for writing tasks.

We recognise that handwriting difficulties are often linked to earlier developmental gaps, so this pathway goes beyond simply practising writing. Children are supported to develop grip, posture, motor patterns and the underlying skills needed to write with ease and confidence.

Through consistent, structured support, children begin to form letters accurately, improve spacing and develop a more fluent writing style. As confidence grows, this has a positive impact on wider literacy, allowing children to focus more fully on their ideas, spelling and written expression.

Our assessments can contribute to school-based support, providing clear insight into each child’s needs and progress. Where appropriate, we also work alongside occupational therapists to ensure a collaborative, multi-agency approach that supports the child consistently across all environments. We have worked closely with schools to encourage consistency in approaches, including the use of school-specific handwriting fonts. Where needed, we also design individualised letter formations based on existing habits unique to the child, providing guidance to schools to ensure a joined-up and supportive approach.

Roots and Stems is particularly beneficial for children who find writing physically challenging, avoid written tasks, or need support in developing neat, consistent and confident handwriting.