New Level 2 teaching qualification announced

A new qualification for teachers delivering pre-school swimming has been launched.

The Level 2 Teaching Pre-School Swimming replaces the existing Award in Coaching Aquatic Pre-fundamentals qualification, which expires at the end of March.

Following the improvements made to the Swim England Pre-School Framework, the new qualification has been created to reflect the changes and ensure teachers have the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver fun and engaging lessons that start children on their swimming journey.

The qualification includes a number of new areas. As well as a focus on social, physical, language, intellectual, creative and emotional development of participants, it also includes stages of play, learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and/or specific cultural requirements, and motivational techniques.

There is also a focus on the Discovery Duckling Awards, which precede the Duckling Awards and are aimed at younger children, as well as the I CAN Awards which support the Pre-School Framework. This is in addition to the Adult and Child Award.

Another significant change is the entry requirements. Individuals can register on the qualification if they hold the ASA Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) qualification. Learners who already hold the ASA Level 2 Swimming Teacher or the CIMSPA endorsed ASA Level 2 Teaching Swimming qualification, will have sufficient experience to receive exemptions for some parts of the course, meaning a reduced time to qualify.

The suite of revised swimming teaching qualifications: 

• ASA L1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching)
• ASA L2 Teaching Swimming (CIMSPA endorsed)
• ASA L2 Teaching Pre-school Swimming.