From the National Curriculum

Handwriting (this is statutory)

Pupils should be taught to:

• sit correctly at a table, holding a pencil comfortably and correctly
• begin to form lower-case letters in the correct direction, starting and finishing in the right place
• form capital letters
• form digits 0-9
• understand which letters belong to which handwriting ‘families’ (ie letters that are formed in similar ways) and to practise these

Notes and guidance (non-statutory )

Left-handed pupils should receive specific teaching to meet their needs.

Why does the Curriculum discriminate against left-handers? I would argue that Parents / Teachers tend to look at “what is written, not How it is written” . The “How” is critical for the left-hander. Getting good habits, such as the grip and alignment of paper/wrist, sorted at an early age can minimize potential problems later on. The Left Hand Writing Skills books and Writewell mats were specifically designed to produce a good technique.

Simple training and advice can make such a positive difference!