New curriculum swimming and water safety resources available

A range of free resources to support the delivery of primary school swimming and water safety lessons are available to download.

Developed by the Swim Group, the guides are designed to ensure all children meet the requirements of the national curriculum PE programme of study by the time they leave primary school in Year 6.

Aimed at primary schools, pool operators and swimming teachers, each of the guides cover the planning, delivery and reporting of lessons.

Jon Glenn, Swim Group member and Swim England Learn to Swim Director, said: “This has been an ongoing project involving the Swim Group, Department for Education and a range of key swimming and water safety experts.

“During the Swim Group’s consultation about how the sector can better support primary schools to improve attainment levels in this area, high on the list was clearer information and guidance to help with the planning and delivery of lessons.

“As a response, the Swim Group has developed a range of new resources that are free for primary schools and facility providers to download.”

The content has been developed by experts from a range of organisations including national pool operators, local authorities, school and swimming teachers, the RNLI and RLSS.

As well as providing guidance and support, the resources also aim to create consistent delivery of primary school swimming and water safety lessons across the country.

Jon added: “At present, there is inconsistency in the way swimming and water safety is taught in primary schools. By creating clear guidance on the three national curriculum outcomes, and how schools can utilise resources such as the PE and Sport Premium, we hope to give all young people the same opportunity to learn these important life skills.”

Support for delivering swimming and water safety lessons

To support schools to deliver swimming and water safety lessons during Key Stage 1 or 2, Swim England and the Swim Group have created a range of guides for teachers, swimming providers, swimming teachers and parents.

The guides are free to download and cover:

• Planning your swimming and water safety lessons
• Working with your local pool
• Making the most of the PE and Sport Premium
• How to report on attainment levels.

Download your free resources here.