Ready Steady Write is our award-winning, evidence-based primary writing programme for EYFS, KS1 and KS2. Built around high-quality, language-rich literature, it provides a structured and sequenced approach that develops confident, independent writers across all year groups.

Year 1 teachers have this month told us they are seeing real, tangible impact – from reduced workload to improved pupil confidence, clarity and enjoyment. In fact, 100% of respondents said that the units improved their pupils’ engagement in lessons, supported stronger writing outcomes and helped children master key foundational and executive function skills. Schools are calling it a ‘game changer’ – and we could not agree more.

Teacher modelling sentence structure to build early writing confidence and meet Ofsted expectations

What is it that teachers like so much?

The Year 1 units are developed to address the specific demands of early writing – where clear modelling, visual support and carefully structured lessons are essential for impact. And, of course, they are designed to save teachers time, provide consistency across classes and give children a clear scaffold to become successful early writers by easing cognitive load.

What Are Teachers Saying?

Recent feedback from our Year 1 Ready Steady Write form shows just how impactful it has been:

100% agreed that Year 1 units improved children's engagement and enjoyment in lessons
100% agreed children’s writing outcomes have improved
100% said the lesson materials were interactive and easy to navigate
97% would recommend Ready Steady Write to other teachers

And crucially:

100% agreed the Year 1 units supported children in mastering key foundational skills
100% agreed they supported the development of executive function skills

These two areas are major focuses for schools and Ofsted alike. Foundational skills refer to the building blocks of writing – such as letter formation, spelling and sentence structure – that children need to write with accuracy and fluency.

Executive function is also supported by oral composition and planning, thus easing children’s working memory. This helps children to organise their thoughts, verbalise ideas and approach writing tasks independently. Every respondent agreed on the high value of this supportive approach and its classroom impact.

Pupil writing with support materials developing key foundational and executive function skills in Year 1 classroom

Reduced Workload, Increased Confidence

One of the most consistent themes from the trials was how much Ready Steady Write in Year 1 has eased the demands of planning and delivery for teachers. With everything clearly mapped out and integrated into each lesson, teachers no longer need to spend hours adapting or making lesson resources to suit the needs of their pupils.

94% of respondents said that it had reduced their workload significantly.

Teachers also noted that the format supports flexible teaching and promotes consistency across classrooms, whether being taught by a class teacher, HLTA or supply staff.

‘Ready Steady Write has reduced my workload as it supports me and my HLTA in the classroom as we switch between teaching roles.’
– S. Franklin, EYFS/KS1 Lead & SENCo, Oxbridge Lane Primary, June 2025

‘These Year 1 units have reduced my workload whilst still having a positive impact on my children's writing. I have seen a massive boost in the children's confidence and the children can confidently identify the steps they need to use to complete their writing.’
– E. Stocks, Year 1 Teacher, St Patrick's Catholic Primary, June 2025

Year 1 child using visual aids to support executive function and foundational writing skills

Real Voices from Real Classrooms

We are always proud to hear how Ready Steady Write is supporting teachers and transforming writing outcomes. Here are just a few additional comments from the schools already using our Year 1 units:

‘Ready Steady Write is great because it has allowed my less confident writers to be successful within their lessons and to create written pieces that they are proud of.’
– H. Waine, ESL, Middlewich Primary School, June 2025

‘Ready Steady Write gives all learners equal opportunities and it makes Year 1 writing inviting and engaging.’
– R. Hayes, Year 1, Moss Valley Primary Academy, June 2025

‘Thanks to the Year 1 units, the children have more time to discuss and understand the objectives clearly. The children's writing is improving as their confidence from the sentence accuracy is improved and makes sense.’
– E. Edwards, Year 1, Parklands Community Primary & Nursery School, June 2025

Why It Matters

We know that Year 1 is a pivotal point in a child’s early writing journey. That is why we focus on accessibility, consistency and clarity – giving every child the tools they need to succeed and every teacher the support they need to deliver high-quality writing lessons.

The Year 1 units reflect the core principles of Ready Steady Write: inclusive practice, curriculum-aligned progression and meaningful impact.

And we remain focused on what matters most: helping teachers teach brilliantly and enabling every child to write with confidence.