“Can {child_name} write {his_her} own name and a few other recognisable letters?”
Follow-up: “Does {he_she} have a go at writing short words by listening for the sounds — 'cat', 'dog', 'mum'?”
Not yet
Letters not yet recognisable; doesn't attempt writing
Emerging
Some recognisable letters, often own name
Developing
Writes most letters recognisably; attempts to spell short words by sounds
Secure
Writes recognisable letters, spells words by representing sounds, writes simple phrases others can read
Don't worry about neatness yet — writing-as-communication ('I made a list', 'I wrote a card') matters far more than letter shape at this age.