About school swimming
Swimming and water safety is compulsory as part of the National Curriculum, with the aim that by the age of 11 (Key Stage 2) children should be able to swim unaided for at least 25m.
Unfortunately the 2013 School Swimming Census shows that for many schools this is not the case.
Swimming is a vital skill for any child and is the only sport a child will learn in school that could save their life.
But the quality of teaching these pupils receive during their school swimming lessons is key to their learning experience. This is why the ASA works hard to ensure it continues to work with swimming teachers and schools to deliver quality school swimming.
We have made progress in the improvement of PE and school swimming over the past few years and with your help we will continue to do so. This September each primary school will receive a minimum of £9,000 additional funding towards PE and School Sport from the government.
The ASA is asking headteachers and governing bodies in schools struggling to deliver statutory swimming requirements to place this investment into swimming. It is a rare opportunity to achieve a step-change for school swimming.
We also recommend that schools and lesson providers take the following action
- Audit the current ability levels of pupils – lesson providers and schools need to work together on this
- Look at the number of lessons being offered – are they adequate to deliver the curriculum outcomes?
- Consider class sizes – are these too big, could they be split into ability levels?
- Is additional professional development or teacher training required?
Click on the links below to learn about the support the ASA provide in training teachers and providing essential resources, including advice on the use of the government funding.
Useful resources for teachers and coaches
- School Swimming and Water Safety Guide for Teachers
- School Swimming Guide - for everyone involved in school swimming at Key Stage 1 and 2
- School Swimming Audit Documentation
- Essential advice for use of extra Government funding
If you have any questions or queries, please just email us at schoolswimming@swimming.org
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