1
Beginning Writer

May be composing by dictating own texts, and may have some strategies for writing independently, e.g., drawing, writing, copying inventing own code, but still at an early stage of understanding how language is written down, and needing support with transcription.

2
Early Writer

Gaining confidence in using writing for a range of personal purposes, e.g., messages,notices. Drawing on experiences of seeing language written down, e.g., in shared writing, and demonstrating more understanding of the alphabetic nature of the English writing system. Ready to try writing independently, using a few early strategies for spelling, e.g., use of initial letters, some known words, using letter strings as "place holders" so that writing can be read back more consistently.

3
Developing Writer

Using a small range of writing, e.g., letters, lists, brief narratives, independently, but still needing help with extending and developing texts. May be drawing on models from reading in structuring own texts. Reading back own texts consistently, experimenting with punctuation, and developing strategies for spelling, e.g., known words, phonetically based invented spellings, which enable texts to be read by others.

4
Moderately Fluent Writer

Writing more confidently and developing ideas at greater length in a few familiar forms. Growing ability to structure these texts; willing to experiment with a wider range of writing. Beginning to use punctuation to support meaning, e.g., periods, exclamation marks. Drawing on a wider range of strategies in spelling, e.g., common letter strings, awareness of visual patterns as well as phonetically based spellings.

5
Fluent Writer

Growing independence in using writing for a wide range of purposes, e.g., expressive, informational, imaginative. Aware of different audiences and beginning to shape texts for a reader. Often chooses to write over longer periods. Punctuating texts for meaning more consistently. Writing shows increasing attention to the visual patterns in spelling.

6
Exceptionally Fluent Writer

A confident and independent writer who enjoys writing in different genres, and is developing a personal voice. Writing may show marked influences of texts that have been read. Drawing on a range of effective strategies for spelling an using standard form more consistently. Using written language in more deliberate ways and making meanings explicit. Still needs support in sustaining long pieces of writing or expressing complex meanings.