The Pobble blog

The Department for Education has just released a new Writing Framework for primary schools. If you’ve seen it and feel a bit daunted about the extra workload any changes might bring, we get it. We're here to help.

This framework doesn’t change statutory assessments (yet), but it does mark a shift in what high-quality writing teaching should look like. It places strong emphasis on transcription, sentence-level work and purposeful writing experiences. While many of the ideas will feel familiar, some teachers may need to reflect and make small changes to their current approach. The good news is, if you’re already helping pupils speak their ideas aloud, build strong sentences and write for real reasons, you’re probably doing more of it than you think.

Here’s a quick summary of the key messages in the framework, followed by five practical ways to align your current writing practice without starting from scratch.

What does the framework say?

The new DfE Writing Framework sets out clear, practical guidance for teaching writing across primary schools. Some of the main messages include:

✏️ Writing is complex and should be taught in a sequenced, manageable way
✏️ Pupils need strong transcription skills (handwriting and spelling) from Reception
✏️ Sentence-level instruction should come before building longer texts
✏️ Oral composition and spoken language are just as important as reading
✏️ Quality matters more than quantity. Children shouldn’t be writing at length before they’re ready
✏️ Writing should have a purpose, not just be for test preparation
✏️ Leaders need to create a positive, well-planned writing culture across the school

1. Start with strong sentences

“Sentence-level teaching... should be a key component of any writing curriculum.”

Writing at length is no longer the starting point. The framework recommends focusing on accurate sentence construction, with grammar and punctuation taught in context rather than in isolation.

Try this:
Use shared writing to model sentence construction. Provide sentence stems or examples and ask pupils to create their own versions. You could also explore one sentence in depth by changing verbs to adjust the tone or rewriting it from a different perspective. Pobble’s sentence challenges can support this kind of focused practice.

2. Use talk to support writing

“Spoken language is as important for writing as for reading.”

Before children write, they need time to speak. Rehearsing sentences aloud helps pupils shape their thinking and build confidence, especially when they struggle to get started.

Try this:
Introduce regular paired talk before writing. Encourage children to say what they want to write and refine their ideas before picking up a pencil. Pobble’s visual prompts are ideal for sparking discussion and are particularly helpful for reluctant writers. Each one includes ready-made questions to guide conversation and encourage deeper thinking. You could also hold a class debate to prompt lively discussion before moving on to writing.

3. Focus on transcription early (but keep it light)

“Teach handwriting and spelling from Reception so these skills become automatic.”

Children need transcription skills to become fluent writers. If they are still concentrating on forming letters or spelling every word, they will find it harder to focus on content. That said, the emphasis should be on fluency and confidence rather than perfection.

Try this:
Keep handwriting and spelling practice short, regular and focused. Use dictation to help pupils apply spelling patterns in context. For pupils who struggle, try using pencil grips, checking posture or offering shorter tasks. Pobble’s differentiated writing prompts provide daily opportunities for manageable practice. Our simplified writing challenges, word banks and sample texts are perfect for younger pupils or those needing extra support.

4. Give writing a real purpose

“Avoid focusing too heavily on test preparation. This can stifle creativity and wider writing development.”

Children write better when the task feels meaningful. The framework encourages us to provide writing opportunities with a clear purpose and audience.

Try this:
Connect writing tasks to pupils’ lives or interests. Let them choose an image they love from the Pobble calendar to write about, or give them a reason to care by setting a challenge such as 'Writer of the Week'. Celebrate their work by displaying it in class, sharing it in a school newsletter or entering it into a class writing competition. 

5. Build a writing habit

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

Pupils need regular writing practice to build fluency. Short, low-pressure writing opportunities help children develop confidence and stamina over time.

Try this:
Set aside time each week for fun, free writing. Our Free Write Friday routine is a great way to encourage creativity without added pressure. Even ten minutes of writing can have a big impact. Pobble’s daily free prompts make this easy to plan and simple to run.

Final thoughts

The new Writing Framework won’t be welcomed by everyone, and that’s understandable. Teachers are right to ask questions and reflect on what works best for their pupils. But the guidance offers some clear and helpful signals: start with the basics, focus on sentence fluency, make writing purposeful, and build habits that last.

You may already be doing much of this, and if so, take that as encouragement. If you are looking for extra tools and ideas, Pobble is here to support you. Our prompts, teaching tools and ready-made classroom activities are closely aligned with the framework and designed to make writing easier to teach and more enjoyable to learn.

Want to build stronger writing habits in your classroom?
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