In-Service Education & Training (INSET)
Introduction
One of the most effective ways to raise and maintain handwriting standards in children is through collaboration between educators and therapists. In-service education & training (INSET) provides an excellent platform to achieve this. Our INSET sessions are delivered by experienced and certified teachers who have in-depth knowledge of the Magic Link programme and its application in educational and teaching settings.
The UK Government’s Independent Review of Teachers’ Professional Development highlights the value of INSET days in improving teaching outcomes and fostering professional growth.
Why is INSET training important?
Research shows that many teachers lack confidence and skills in teaching handwriting, often because they did not receive enough direct instruction during their own training. Some experienced teachers also question if traditional methods are still relevant, especially with the rise of laptops and computers in schools. Additionally, professionals like occupational and physiotherapists who work with children may need support on in-school requirements, such as the National Curriculum and literacy strategies. It’s important for all staff to rethink and improve their approach to handwriting instruction. Tailored INSET sessions can help teachers and staff gain the knowledge they need to enhance handwriting teaching effectively.
Who can benefit from INSET?
Our INSET programmes are designed for a wide range of professionals working with children and young people. This includes class teachers, Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), literacy coordinators, teaching assistants, student teachers, educational psychologists, as well as occupational therapists.
INSET fees & format
We offer three INSET options to meet the specific needs of your school.
Option 1
Free 20 minutes Zoom overview
This session offers a concise overview of the course, highlighting its organisation and features. It also outlines the advantages this course will bring to both your staff and pupils. Insights will be provided into how these elements can enhance the learning experience and effectively support educational objectives.
Option 2
Introduction & Overview INSET Session: 90-Minutes: fee £175 plus expenses
This session provides school staff with a clear introduction to the course manual, detailing its structure and functionality. Designed for primary or secondary staff, it includes practical elements to experience key teaching strategies that improve classroom outcomes. Featuring “deliberate practice” exercises to improve performance and evidence-based insights, participants will leave with actionable tools to refine their teaching and enhance pupil learning, making it a valuable and engaging professional development opportunity.
Option 3
Individual School Tailored Support Packages: 21/2 hours: fee £225 plus expenses
Our visits are customised to meet your school’s specific needs. These may include teaching staff members to model the Magic Link method, as well as delivering initial sessions to the pupils. Ongoing telephone and email support will also be provided. Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements and create a tailored support package that works best for you.
Topics we cover
1. The Magic Link Programme Background
In this session, we provide a comprehensive overview of the Magic Link handwriting programme. Key points include:
✓ Evidence and research behind the programme.
✓ When it was launched.
✓ Reviews from trusted sources such as Google, Trustpilot, and the Good Schools Guide.
✓Before-and-after examples showcasing the programme’s effectiveness.
✓ Implementation strategies and a summary of the programme’s key components.
✓ The Magic Link font and how it is integrated into the National Curriculum.
2. How the Magic Link Handwriting Programme Improves Academic Performance?
Despite the rise of digital tools, handwriting remains a crucial skill for academic success. This session focuses on how poor handwriting can negatively impact a student’s performance, exploring four key areas:
✓ Reduced readability.
✓ Slower writing speed.
✓ Decreased confidence and motivation.
✓ Impact on cognitive processing.
✓ We also explain how the Magic Link programme can address these issues and improve handwriting skills, leading to better academic outcomes.
3. The 3 Magic Link Handwriting Programmes
1
The Nursery Course for Pre-Schoolers (Age 4) EYFS
For pre-school children, this nursery course consists of 26 animated alphabet video songs and accompanying worksheets which teach the basics of handwriting in a fun and engaging way. They provide a gentle introduction to letter sounds, shapes and formations, ensuring young learners are ready for more formal handwriting instruction as they enter primary school.
2
The Non-Joined Programme for Younger Children (Age 5) EYFS/KS1
The non-joined programme teaches letter formation, size, simple words and sentences in 15 steps and is specifically designed for younger children who are just beginning to develop their handwriting skills. In the INSET training we will outline how the non-joined script lays the foundation for fluent, legible handwriting and prepares pupils for cursive handwriting.
3
The Cursive Programme for Primary and Secondary Schools (Ages 6–18) KS2-KS5
The Magic Link cursive programme teaches neat, cursive handwriting in 30 steps using online lessons and printable worksheets. It improves handwriting, speed, confidence, phonics and spelling. This INSET session guides teachers in implementing the programme Magic Link cursive handwriting programme. an demonstrates how it supports students from Key Stage 2 to secondary school, providing a consistent approach throughout their educational journey.
4. Supporting Secondary School Pupils
Many pupils leave primary school without fully mastering handwriting, which can affect their performance at Key Stage 3. Poor handwriting can hinder their ability to access the curriculum, particularly if they cannot write legibly or quickly enough. This session provides practical guidelines for supporting secondary school pupils who need extra help to improve their handwriting, even within the constraints of a busy timetable.
5. Tools, Grips, and Grasps
Ergonomics play a vital role in handwriting. This session covers the best tools and environments to support effective writing, including:
✓ Recommended pens, pencils, and grips for children who struggle with handwriting.
✓ Promoting proper posture and writing techniques, staff will have the opportunity to explore a variety of tools and discuss their suitability for different students.
6. Supporting Left-Handed Writers
Left-handed students often face unique challenges when learning to write. This inset allows participants to experience these challenges first-hand and offers practical strategies for modifying classroom practices. By making small adjustments to teaching letters and letter formations, teachers can significantly improve the handwriting experience for left-handed pupils.
7. Developing a Whole-School Handwriting Policy
Handwriting standards are most effectively maintained in schools with a clear, consistent policy. This session provides guidelines on how to create a whole-school handwriting policy that supports all students. We offer advice on what to include in the policy and how to ensure that it is implemented consistently across the school.
Fees are payable in advance. To book, please complete our school enquiry form, and we will provide you with information about the teacher who is available to deliver the session.