Swim England and Neurodiverse Sport strengthen sector-wide support for inclusive swimming lessons

Swim England, in partnership with Neurodiverse Sport, has today released the first findings from new research exploring the experiences of neurodivergent children and families in swimming lessons – marking the first piece of insight from the strategic partnership announced earlier this year.

The research, which captured responses from over 1,000 parents and more than 600 swimming teachers, offers one of the most comprehensive insights to date of how inclusive swimming provision is working in practice, and where the sector needs greater support.

Understanding matters more than convenience

The findings show that for neurodivergent families, a provider’s understanding of a child’s individual needs is the single most important factor when enrolling in swimming lessons outweighing location, progression, cost or class size. This highlights both the responsibility and the opportunity for operators, swim schools and teachers to lead with inclusive practice.

While families enrol children into swimming lessons for shared reasons including safety, water confidence and essential life skills, the learning experiences of neurodivergent children vary significantly, with many reporting higher levels of anxiety, fatigue and challenge during and after lessons.

Teachers are willing but need more support

The insight also reveals a clear gap between teachers’ confidence in recognising neurodivergent traits and their confidence in adapting lessons or communicating effectively with parents.

Almost one third of swimming teachers report not having received any neurodiversity training since qualifying, despite observing neurodivergent-related needs in up to half of the children they teach. Teachers consistently identified a need for:
• More accessible and practical neurodiversity training
• Smaller class sizes and improved ratios
• Better resources, including visual and sensory aids
• Clearer and more structured communication with parents

These findings reinforce the importance of ongoing sector support and not just expectations on frontline staff.

Strengthening inclusive practice across aquatics

As the national governing body for swimming, Swim England is committed to helping the sector respond.

Through its partnership with Neurodiverse Sport, Swim England is working to:
• Build a stronger evidence base to inform inclusive delivery
• Support operators, swim schools and teachers with insight-led guidance
• Normalise open dialogue between parents and providers
• Improve confidence, consistency and quality of inclusive swimming lessons

This work recognises that inclusion is not about creating separate pathways, but about equipping the workforce to deliver high-quality lessons that work for all children.

Supporting the sector to do what it does best

Commenting on the findings, Kerry Watkiss, Swim England Head of Insight said: “Our partnership with Neurodiverse Sport is built on turning insight into meaningful change for the sector. These findings give us a clear evidence base to continue supporting operators, swim schools and teachers to deliver inclusive swimming lessons that recognise and respond to the needs of neurodivergent children.”

Caragh McMurtry, Co-Founder and CEO, Neurodiverse Sport CIC said: “This research sits within a reality that we are operating in a complex and pressured system. Many families face barriers to diagnosis and accessing appropriate support, while providers are managing increasing financial and operational demands. Neurodiversity is not a simple or uniform experience, and inclusion cannot rely on ideal scenarios that are difficult to deliver in practice. This work is about being honest about those challenges and supporting the sector to make realistic, practical changes that improve experiences for the majority of children and families. By focusing on greater understanding, clearer communication, and achievable adaptations, we can move towards swimming environments that are more consistent, more supportive, and more inclusive for everyone.”

Get the full report

This initial release represents only part of the insight gathered as part of the Swim England and Neurodiverse Sport partnership.

Operators, swim schools, local authorities and education providers who would like to explore the full findings or understand how the insight can support their own inclusive delivery, are encouraged to contact Swim England’s Insight team.

To request the full report, contact [email protected]

Supporting workforce development through CPD

To support the sector in responding to these findings, Swim England offer a CPD: An Introduction to Neurodiversity in Aquatics.

This three hour theory based CPD introduces a social approach to neurodiversity and explores how neuro affirming practice can be applied across aquatic environments. Co produced with lived experience and grounded in genuine case studies, the course provides current knowledge and practical tools to help build inclusive, supportive swimming experiences for everyone. The CPD is open to anyone aged 16 and over, including educators, volunteers, athletes, coaches, teachers, officials, learners and the wider workforce within and beyond the leisure sector. For those looking to build confidence, improve communication and strengthen inclusive practice in response to the insight shared in this report, this CPD offers a practical next step.

Find out more and to find your nearest course, visit the Swim England Courses Calendar