Fine motor skills are the small movements children make using the muscles in their hands and fingers. These skills are important for everyday activities such as writing, using scissors, fastening buttons, and holding cutlery. Some children need extra support to strengthen these skills so they can become more confident and independent.

✨ When children need to develop their fine motor skills further, we use a programme called Clever Hands.
This programme focuses on improving finger strength, dexterity, and pincer grip, which are essential for pencil control and handwriting.

👩‍🏫 How Clever Hands works
The programme is divided into three levels, and children work through them with adult support:

• Level 1 – Early fine motor activities to build strength and coordination in the hands and fingers.

• Level 2 – Activities to refine finger control and strengthen the pincer grip.

• Level 3 – More advanced activities to develop pencil control and handwriting fluency.

🏡 How families can help at home

• Encourage your child to practise activities little and often.

• Make it fun – use toys, games, or everyday objects.

• Praise effort as well as progress.

• Join in with activities so your child can copy and learn from you.

🌟 Why Clever Hands helps

• Builds confidence with writing ✍️

• Supports independence in everyday tasks 🧩

• Strengthens hand and finger muscles 💪

• Encourages persistence and a “can do” attitude 🌈

🤝 We’re here to support
If you’d like to know more about how your child is supported with fine motor development, please speak with their class teacher or our Inclusion Leader, Mrs Butcher. We can also provide activity sheets and guidance so you can join in at home.