Day 1 – Laying the foundations
Focus: Explore the essential knowledge, skills and dispositions that underpin writing. See what progression looks like in these areas and how this applies to both early years children and older learners with gaps. Gain practical strategies to support these foundational skills and knowledge for writing:
- Physical Development
- Language development
- Auditory and visual discrimination
- Executive functioning skills for writing
- Developmental stages of writing
- Narrative development
- Positive writer identity
Day 2 – Inspiring writing through play, passion, and purpose
Focus: How to draw on children’s interests and natural writing tendencies to meet curriculum demands.
- Exploring challenges children face in writing (mechanical vs authentic writing)
- The science of learning and its relevance to literacy
- Fiction and non-fiction: playful, meaningful entry points
- Using children’s passions to inspire writing tasks
- Integrating curriculum requirements without compromising engagement
Day 3 – Extending practice, meeting needs, and planning forward
Focus: Differentiating support for individual needs, navigating challenges and embedding practices back in school.
- Meeting individual needs: reluctant writers, advanced writers, children new to learning English, children with SEND
- Building a bank of strategies for structure, vocabulary, and genre
- Challenging conversations: advocating for playful and authentic writing approaches
- Action planning: developing a writing framework tailored to your class/year group/school
- Course reflections, personal next steps, and preparing for online follow-up
Over the three days, Kym and Jonny will share a model for a writing programme rooted in a developmentally appropriate and playful approach, which enhances, rather than compromises curriculum expectations.
It will focus on embracing writing as a powerful tool for thinking, communication and creativity rather than just a curriculum outcome.
Combining practical strategies with pedagogical clarity, this conference equips practitioners with everything they need to build a continuum of writing that begins with imagination and ends with real impact.
Come along and reignite your belief in what writing can be.
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Overview:
Day 1 will focus on the foundational knowledge and skills essential for writing, with guidance tailored for those working with children in the early years, as well as older learners who may still require this crucial early support.
Day 2 and 3 will focus on establishing planning and practices that inspire, instil confidence and develop agency from Reception to Yr 4.
2 x 1.5 online impact evaluation sessions will take place in March and May 2026 (dates TBC)
Your Facilitators
Kym Scott is an 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. Find out more about Kym's work here.
Jonny Allams is a 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. You can find out more about Jonny's work here.
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