• AfPE (Association for Physical Education)
• ASA (Amateur Swimming Association, now renamed Swim England)
• FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation also known as International Swimming Federation - Swim England are affiliated with FINA)
• ASA/NCTP (National Curriculum Training Programme)
• ASA/UKCC (United Kingdom Coaching Certificate)
• ATSPRA (Aquatic Therapy Shallow Pool Rescue Award)
• BC (Buckinghamshire Council)  
• BSSP (Bucks School Swimming Partnership)
• CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity)
• DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) 
• DFES/CCPR (Department for Education and Skills/Central Council for Physical Education)
• EAP (Emergency Action Plan)
• EHO (Environmental Health Officer)
• HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)
• HSE (Health & Safety Executive)
• IOS (Institute of Swimming)
• ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers)
• ISRM (Institute of Sport and Recreation Management)
• NC (National Curriculum)
• NCTP (National Curriculum Training Programme)
• NOP (Normal Operating Procedure)         
• NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification)
• NRASTC (National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches)
• OEAP (Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel)
• PSOP (Pool Safety Operating Procedures)
• PWMC (Pool Water Maintenance Contractor)
• PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group)
• QCF (Qualification and Credit Framework)
• RAPs (Register of Aquatic Professionals)
• RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013)
• RLSS (Royal Life Saving Society)
• RLSS NWSMP (RLSS National Water Safety Management Programme)
• RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution)
• SEND (Special Educational Needs &/or Disabilities)
• STA (Swimming Teachers’ Association)   
• STA/NaRS (PL) (National Pool Lifeguard Certificate)
• SE Swim England (is the only recognised national governing body for swimming in England)
• TA (Teaching Assistant)

Teachers in charge of School Swimming and Water Safety within their school: The named teacher or member of staff responsible for coordinating swimming arrangements for their school.

Accompanying School staff:  These are the adults employed by the school or volunteers chosen to accompany the pupils to their swimming lessons. 

Leisure providers: This refers to staff in pools coordinating and providing School Swimming and Water Safety who are employed by the leisure facility.

Specialist Swimming Teacher:  The individual in charge of the School Swimming and Water Safety lesson, as a minimum, qualified to Swim England (ASA) Level 2 or STA equivalent.

Swimming Teacher Assistants:  Individuals that can work under the supervision of a specialist swimming teacher, qualified to Swim England (ASA) UKCC Level 1.

Lifeguard: The individual responsible for lifeguarding, rescue, and resuscitation of swimmers in difficulty.

The BSSP Swimming Team are based at Aylesbury High School and can be contacted by telephoning 01296 388222 or by emailing swimming@ahs.bucks.sch.uk

Zoe Coll
Swim England Licensed Tutor &
Bucks School Swimming Adviser

Georgie Boddy
Swim England Licensed Tutor &
Bucks School Swimming Trainer

Jane Stevens
Bucks School Swimming Trainer

Sharon Evans
Bucks School Swimming Administrator

For many children, particularly those living in more deprived areas, school may be the only opportunity they will have to learn how to swim and be safe in and around the water. Despite being on the national curriculum, around one in five children leave primary school unable to swim. This figure rises to almost half of children from the least affluent families.  It is therefore incredibly important that children do not miss out on School Swimming and Water Safety lessons as a result of COVID-19 (taken from SE Return to School Swimming Guidance Dec 2020). Primary schools must liaise with secondary schools where pupils have missed these vital lessons.  We urge secondary schools to provide some form of catch-up for pupils who have been unable to meet the minimum national curriculum requirements for school swimming.  BSSP are happy to offer support to schools where possible.  As a minimum, schools should ensure that pupils understand key water safety messages, this can be done through dry side cross-curricular lessons. The RNLI, in collaboration with BSSP, have produced a really exciting resource with links to a range of easy-to-use activities.  Please get in touch if you would like to use this by emailing swimming@ahs.bucks.sch.uk

Please follow the links below to find national guidance including risk assessment considerations, checklists for schools, and national advice in light of COVID-19.

Useful Links

• Guidance from Swim England (SE):  There is a wealth of information on the Swim England Website, including Guidelines for Swimming Lessons and for Operators; FAQs; Top Tip Videos; example lessons plans plus more.
• Swim England COVID Learning Opportunity
• Guidance from Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA)
• Guidance from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS)
• Pool Technical Notes issued by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG)
• COVID-19 Guidance for schools can be found on the Bucks School Swimming Partnership website

This document:

• sets out the policies and provides guidance on Safe Practice in School Swimming and Water Safety, whether at a school pool, hydrotherapy pool, public pool, or during school visits. It aims to keep everyone involved in school swimming safe, 
• includes the policies and procedures of Buckinghamshire Council (BC) and Bucks School Swimming Partnership (BSSP) based on current national guidance in relation to School Swimming and Water Safety lessons, swimming pool safety, and educational visits, which may include water-based activities,
• reflects current working practices of the BSSP Swimming Team.

Key Information

The appendices contain exemplar materials and greater detail on local and national guidance.  Part 2 (a separate document) contains Technical Guidance on the Management of Swimming Pools and Swimming Pool Plant on School Site.

This policy is for all Buckinghamshire Council (BC) maintained schools. It is strongly recommended that academies, foundation, and voluntary aided schools also follow the guidance within the policy.  

Where schools use leisure provider pools, partnership working is vital, not only to keep pupils and staff safe but also to ensure the inclusion of a breadth of aquatic opportunities, which meet the needs of all pupils.

The following policy has been revised and updated by Buckinghamshire Council (BC) and BSSP. It has been through wide consultation involving; the Bucks Swim Focus Group, Headteachers, leisure providers, swimming co-ordinators, Swim England (formerly ASA), and the Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS), to provide a valuable and accurately informed working document.  It is intended to inform and support the following:

• Headteachers,
• Governors,
• Teachers in charge of School Swimming and Water Safety within their school,
• Leisure providers,
• Swimming teachers,
• School staff accompanying pupils to their school swimming lessons.

Working in partnership will ensure a consistent joined-up approach in the planning and delivery of safe, quality school swimming and water safety lessons.

Swimming is a highly beneficial life-saving activity. It supports the acquisition and development of physical literacy, along with skills for health and enjoyment.  As a threshold skill, it also gives access to many other water-based recreational activities.   It is also incredibly good for your physical and mental health and wellbeing - it is the only activity you can do at any age and ability. Nevertheless, it also carries the risks of death through drowning or injury by brain damage through near-drowning. 

Therefore, the teaching of swimming must be about knowing what to do if someone gets into trouble in the water; if a strong current takes your friend away from the edge; or if you fall in when running by a river or canal.  We have a responsibility to ensure that our pupils are taught basic water safety skills.  Swimming is ‘Wet Physical Education.’

Important Information

The teaching and learning of swimming and water safety, therefore, requires the utmost care on the part of all concerned.

A number of changes and additions have been made to this Policy.  Please see the table below for an overview of these and where to find them.

What		Found where	Page No.
1	Changing Rooms (Safeguarding) - Further information for schools including guidance from NSPCC and facilities for transgender students	Supervision of Changing Rooms	1
2	Minor incidents and accidents - Clarification on reporting	First Aid Arrangements	4
3	NC swimming outcomes including Water Safety and the Water Safety Code - Greater detail and clarification	Introduction	5
4	National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) LIGHT qualification – New addition and details	Lifeguarding qualifications	6
5	NC Self-rescue requirements and  information about Water Safety Awards for schools	Teaching Self-Rescue and Water Safety	13
6	Open Water Swimming - Further guidance	Natural Water Bathing/Open Water Swimming	7
7	Partnership Agreement for schools and leisure providers to clarify standards, roles and responsibilities	School staff accompanying pupils to their school swimming and water safety lessons	8
8	Planning and implementing a School Swimming Programme - A checklist of actions for schools	Checklist of Requirements	0
9	Qualifications - Expiry of and details for renewal options	Keeping Qualifications up to date	2
10	Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Aquatic Therapy Shallow Tank Pool Rescue Award (ATSPRA)	Lifeguarding qualifications	11
11	School Processes - Checklist of requirements added	Checklist of requirements	12
12	SEND Course for staff working with SEND Pupils - Addition of a new National Curriculum Training Programme (NCTP) course	Teaching qualifications required for school staff	14
13	SEND and details of Inclusion 2020 - Additional guidance	Inclusion 2020	15
14	SEND - Information on the Swim England Inclusion Hub: https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/inclusion/	Swimmers with Special Educational Needs &/or Disabilities (SEND)	3
15	Staff accompanying pupils to swimming lessons - Clarification	Responsibilities	16
16	Staff working in the water with pupils - Guidance	Teaching in the water	17
17	Swim England NCTP courses - Updated overview of each course	SE NCTP certificate for teaching school swimming and water safety	18
18	Swimming as part of educational visits - removal of some content; addition of link to national guidance	Educational Visits
19	Unprogrammed swimming sessions - Clarification	Lifeguarding Qualifications	19
20	Verrucas and swimming - Current advice	Pupils Swimming Attire	20

x

In November 2018, the National Swim Group published further guidance and clarity about what each of the above strands should look like. Swim England have produced some useful guidance for schools, which can be found on the Swim England Website (Recourse Pack)

What do the outcomes mean?

Swim competently, confidently, and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres

This means demonstrating

• a continuous swim of more than 25 metres without touching the side of the pool or the pool floor without the use of swimming aids. Whenever possible, at least part of the swim should be completed in deep water, defined as greater than shoulder depth. This is because ‘competence’ and ‘proficiency’ cannot be assured if the swim takes place in shallow water only,
• the stroke, or strokes, are as strong at the end of the swim as at the start and that the swim is completed without undue stress,
• the stroke or strokes are recognisable to an informed onlooker. Using an ineffective stroke and just managing to swim 25 metres does not meet the minimum requirement. Nor does it provide the skills necessary for pupils to be able to self-rescue if they get into difficulty. A competent, confident, and proficient swim over a distance of more than 25 metres is the minimum requirement to meet the National Curriculum outcomes. It is hoped that a number of pupils will be able to swim significantly further, although evidence of this is not required for primary schools to officially record (although could be considered for parent and secondary school reporting).

Use a range of strokes effectively

Pupils should be able to use a range of strokes and make choices about the strokes they use to achieve different outcomes and be certain of success. To do this they need to experience simultaneous and alternating strokes, on their front and back and be able to adapt them for a range of purposes and intended outcomes. Examples of an intended outcome might be a swim of 50 metres or using an effective leg kick to tread water successfully.  Swimming strokes do not have to be perfect; the emphasis should be on effectively achieving the required aim rather than precision hand or feet movements. 

Other examples could be; using a front crawl with face down and aquatic breathing to swim in a competitive race, using a front crawl with head up to play water polo, using a front crawl-type leg kick in a vertical position to tread water.

Perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations

As part of NC Swimming, pupils should be taught the key water safety messages (age-appropriate); including the Water Safety Code:

Keep water safety messages:

• always swim in a safe place,
• always swim with an adult,
• if you fall in: float, breathe, relax,
• if someone else is in trouble, call 999 or 112,
• Shout, throw, never go.

Stop and Think:

• water is always moving,
• the water is colder than you think,
• edges can be dangerous,
• there may be dangers underwater.

Stay Together:

• never swim alone - stay close to a friend or family member (3 if possible, 1 to go for help, 1 to stay with person in difficulty),
• find a safe place to go - only swim in the sea where there is a lifeguard,
• plan your activity – check the weather, and tide times, get local advice, and wear the right clothing for your activity.

Float:

• if you fall in, float until you feel calm,
• signal for help, raising one hand in the air and shouting for help,
• if you can, swim to safety or hold on to something that floats,
• keep warm if you can’t swim to safety, using the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) or huddle position.

Call 999 or 112:

• if you see someone else in trouble in the water call 999 or 112 or shout for help - STAY SAFE,
• never enter the water to save others,
• signal to casualty and look for something you can throw to help them float like a life ring or even a football could help,
• keep watch until help arrives.

To meet the three National Curriculum requirements for swimming and water safety, lessons should focus on developing some or all of the following skills and strokes in different water-related contexts:

• how to enter (entry with full submersion and re-surface; fall in ;step in entries),
• exit the water (climb out unassisted, without use of the steps),
• floatation,
• submerging,
• rotating from back to front and front to back and regaining an upright position,
• pushing and gliding and an understanding of streamlining,
• aquatic breathing,
• moving effectively and efficiently through the water using alternating and simultaneous strokes on front and back, such as front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, also side stroke,
• swimming longer distances and for increasing amounts of time,
• using swimming skills and strokes for different purposes such as water polo and synchronised swimming,
• survival and self-rescue skills: treading water, maintain Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) and Huddle positions, floating and resting in the water (to regulate breathing), attracting attention by signalling for help (raising one arm and shouting), sculling, swimming in everyday clothing and with various buoyancy aids, swim 15m out and then swim 15 m back.
• water safety: knowledge and understanding of different water environments, how to stay safe when playing in and around water including recognising national swimming flags and warning signs and understanding national and local water safety advice,
• what to do if others get into difficulties: stay safe: shout, signal; throw, do not go into the water; raising the alarm 999,
• play competitive games such as water polo and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending.

For further information and to look at these documents in more detail, visit School Swimming Guides.

Therefore, pupils need to understand how water-based incidents occur such as:

• falling into water when playing on a footpath,
• falling out of a boat,
• swimming in clothes,
• becoming tired,
• sustaining an injury,
• being out of one’s depth,
• hampered by weeds or underwater hazards,
• rough water or tides.

Pupils should understand where water-based incidents occur:

• homes and gardens including ponds,
• swimming pools (develop an understanding of different types of pools),
• beaches,
• rivers,
• canals and reservoirs,

 Pupils should understand and be able to explain:

• the differences between swimming in open water and a heated swimming pool,
• how strong swimmers can get into difficulties when the water is cold, unpredictable and deep,
• the differences between swimming indoors and outdoors,
• that getting in and out of open water is more difficult (in comparison to steps at a swimming pool),
• that you need to prepare differently for swimming outdoors; e.g. wearing a wetsuit and bright swimming hat,
• that the conditions of open water can quickly change dependent on the weather,
• that you may not be able to see under the water to spot potential hazards,
• the effects of cold water shock (and what happens if you are not prepared to swim in cold water.

Statutory Information

Physical Education including Swimming is a National Curriculum Foundation Subject and thus STATUTORY.  Parents do not, therefore, have the right to withdraw their children from school swimming.

All schools must provide swimming instruction in either Key Stage 1 and/or Key Stage 2.  In particular, pupils should be taught to:

• Swim competently, confidently, and proficiently over a distance of at least 25m,
• Use a range of strokes effectively, such as front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke,
• Perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.

The National Curriculum Swimming and Water Safety Group expects schools to provide swimming provision until all their pupils meet the minimum standards for school swimming and water safety.  This means that schools may need to look at Top Up Programmes (these are additional lessons to help pupils achieve these standards).

Key Information 

Pupils should know the dangers of water and understand how to act responsibly when playing in or near different water environments. 

Teaching Swimming and Water Safety at Key Stage 1 or 2 - A Guide for Primary Schools (produced by Swim England on behalf of the National Swim Group)

This includes understanding and adhering to the advice of national and local water safety sites, being able to use appropriate survival and self-rescue skills if they unintentionally fall in or get into difficulty in the water, and knowing what to do if others get into difficulty. To ensure pupils fully understand this important area, ‘water-based situations’ should not only cover how an incident could occur, but also different types of water environments.

Around 190 people lose their lives at the UK and Irish coasts each year, and over half never even planned to enter the water.  

Important Information

Swimming teachers and school staff need to be particularly aware of swimmers tiring when swimming in clothing due to the resistance the clothes present in the water.

Useful Links

Both the Bucks School Swimming Partnership and Swim England have awards for pupils aimed at meeting and exceeding National Curriculum requirements for Water Safety.

Teaching pupils Lifesaving Skills

In addition to the Water Safety School Swimming Programme, schools may decide to teach pupils lifesaving, i.e. as part of the Rookie Lifeguard Programme.  This should only be covered once pupils have an understanding of, and have developed competence in, self-rescue skills as a requirement of National Curriculum Swimming.

Important Information 

When teaching lifesaving, pupils below 8 years of age should only be taught rescues from the poolside (e.g. shout & signal, throwing, reaching with a pole, or similar items).

Pupils under 13 years of age should not be taught In-water contact rescues apart from when they are taught within a comprehensive Lifesaving Award programme where sufficient additional safety knowledge is learned.  Pupils must also be competent, confident, and proficient swimmers.

(Safe Practice in Physical Education School Sport and Physical Activity 2016 Edition 4.1.68)

Useful Links

Advice on resource packs and awards for teaching lifesaving skills at the appropriate key stages in primary and secondary education is available from the RLSS UK

Visit STA - School Swimming Academy Awards 

Visit RNLI (Youth Education)

Overall Council Responsibility

Buckinghamshire Council has a responsibility for ensuring safety in swimming in all maintained schools. As part of this responsibility BC, working with BSSP provides the Safe Practice in School Swimming Policy and Guidance.   BSSP provides guidance and support for school swimming and offers a variety of training, all of which equip schools for safe school swimming.

Important Information

The Governing Body holds this responsibility in Academies, Foundation, and Voluntary Aided schools.

School Responsibility - Governors and Headteachers

The Governing Body must ensure that a nominated member of staff is delegated the responsibility of Teacher in Charge of School Swimming and Water Safety and applies the Safe Practice in School Swimming Policy and Guidance to all aspects of school swimming.  This will incorporate the proper operation of the school’s own swimming facility or the use of a third-party pool.  Governors should meet with the Teacher in Charge of School Swimming and Water Safety to ensure the policy and procedures contained within this document are being applied. These include:

• completing risk assessments – member of staff carries a copy of this with them, together with emergency contact numbers in the School Swimming Folder (with copy held centrally by Headteacher),
• ensuring all staff accompanying pupils to school swimming have read and understood the current Normal Operating Procedure (NOP) and Emergency Action Plan (EAP),
• ensuring staff accompanying school swimming are qualified to support the delivery of school swimming and water safety and comply with their school’s Safeguarding Policy. Schools should be sending their own staff, who have been trained. Supply Teachers or trainees on placement should NOT accompany the school swimming lesson.
• ensuring relevant training for school swimming is in place for staff,
• understanding what school swimming qualifications allow staff to do and ensure staff are confident and competent to carry out their role in school swimming,
• maintaining a central record of staff qualifications and training (in Swimming folder) – BSSP hold a central database for all staff trained. Where individuals hold qualifications gained from other providers, they must submit copies of certificates to the BSSP Swimming Team,
• completing and returning the mandatory ‘Governors Checklist’ issued by BSSP every two years, see Appendix I,
• keeping current copies of the ‘Conditions of Hire’ and leisure provider insurance details within the School Swimming Folder,
• schools using pools other than their own requesting the pool’s Normal Operating Procedure (NOP) and Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and ensuring that accompanying school staff read these and sign to show an understanding of their responsibilities during the visit to the pool. These documents need to be kept in the School Swimming Folder,
• ensuring that all relevant and up to date medical and health information is maintained within the School Swimming Folder,
• Headteachers of schools with pools on their site attending the course entitled Swimming Pool Awareness for Headteachers, Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) - this requires refreshing every 3 years.

Teacher in Charge of School Swimming and Water Safety

This member of staff must maintain the School Swimming Folder which includes:            

• up to date copy of NOP and EAP for the pool used. This needs to be signed by all staff accompanying school swimming to show they have read and understand these documents,
• risk assessment for each group,
• registers, including medical conditions; additional needs; pupil ability and staff accompanying pupils,
• up to date list of staff qualifications and training,
• signed copy of Pool Hire Agreement,
• school Swimming Programme,
• printed copies of the online County Accident and reporting forms,

They should also:

• visit the pool before swimming programme commences to understand all relevant NOP/EAP aspects, risk assess & plan the programme with the specialist swimming teacher,
• complete Trips & Visits form (agreed by Headteacher). For Open Water Swimming, Swimming in the Sea, Use of Hotel Pools, see section on Educational Visits, page 75,
• undertake Risk Assessments (please refer to page 29 and Appendix A - C - Model Risk Assessments), signed by all staff involved (including Headteacher). This will include written information on pupils with medical conditions and/or additional needs and must be shared with the specialist swimming teacher prior to the School Swimming and Water Safety programme commencing. This information needs to be updated where necessary,
• complete and share relevant documents with leisure providers (schools may choose to use the following forms: Swimming class registers including information on pupils with medical conditions and/additional needs; information for Leisure Providers - Appendix X).

Accompanying School Staff

School staff have overall DUTY OF CARE that applies for any activity in which pupils are involved and they cannot transfer their duty of care to anyone else. This applies to all activities within the school curriculum and extra-curricular activities organised by the school during and outside of school hours, whether on or off school premises. 

School staff must:

• hold relevant, up to date qualifications,
• be given a clear role and understand the limits of their role,
• be confident on poolside,
• communicate effectively and appropriately with each other and leisure provider staff on safety issues,
• be suitably dressed for their role,
• ensure pupils are appropriately supervised when changing,
• ensure pupils are under control at all times,
• take head counts before, during and after sessions. This should be recorded in the swimming registers,
• follow the pool’s NOP and EAP; all staff on poolside should be aware of the emergency procedures of any external provision, ensuring that pupils are aware of what to do in the event of an emergency evacuation,
• hold responsibility for reporting on the progress of school swimming (through ongoing monitoring and guidance from leisure provider staff),
• be aware of the additional needs or medical conditions of the pupils they are teaching so that correct measures/precautions can be put in place with guidance from the specialist swimming teacher.

School Teachers should accompany their own classes to their school swimming lessons whenever possible, as they know their pupils well.  They should have an overview of the teaching of their pupils and the conduct of their class.  There should be a nominated member of staff accompanying each group, who holds responsibility for:

• progress of pupils,
• assessing confidence and competence of accompanying staff (with guidance from leisure provider staff),
• enforcement of policies and procedures,
• sharing of procedures and standards to all school staff involved in the School Swimming and Water Safety lesson.

Specialist swimming teachers also have a duty of care for the pupils directly in their control and for ensuring an appropriate School Swimming and Water Safety programme for the group.  It is the responsibility of the school staff to monitor the progress of the pupils, regardless of who teaches them. Equally, the teaching programme needs to be agreed before the course and if necessary moderated during the course.  Having a teacher standing on the side passively watching is a massive waste of talent and energy, which could otherwise benefit the class. Involvement, not simply lesson observation, not only reduces teacher pupil ratio, but also enhances the quality of experience for the pupils concerned.

Prior to their deployment to a poolside role, school staff should have the opportunity to express a lack of confidence or ability.  If staff lack confidence in the role, cannot swim or are reticent about being on poolside they should not accompany pupils to their school swimming lessons.

Important Information 

Specialist swimming teachers should work with school staff to oversee the assessment of pupils against Award Criteria to identify those pupils unlikely to meet the minimum requirements for National Curriculum Swimming.

School staff must remain on poolside to provide an assisting role to support the school swimming lesson and as a minimum, must hold the Swim England Support Teacher of School Swimming Certificate.  Please refer to the section on Teaching Qualifications, see page 44.

Statutory Information

When public pools are used for school swimming, the duty of care remains with the school staff.  Specialist swimming teachers may be employed to assist with the teaching of the lesson, but it is essential the school staff remain on poolside (the employer’s responsibility is not displaced by the employment of the swimming teacher, e.g. the responsibility for the care of students cannot be delegated).

(AfPE Safe Practice in PESSPA 2020)

The Specialist Swimming Teacher (e.g. leisure provider swimming teachers)

(Qualified to a minimum to Swim England Level 2 or STA equivalent) needs to:

• understand their role in school swimming,
• work in partnership with the Teacher in Charge of School Swimming and Water Safety and other School staff accompanying pupils swimming,
• liaise with lifeguards and other centre staff regarding the lessons,
• ensure a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is undertaken for each group involved in swimming activities,
• be aware of the additional needs and medical conditions of the pupils in their class, risk assessing these within the context of the swimming environment,
• ensure the safe conduct of the class whilst the pupils are in the water and on the poolside,
• enable pupils to have fun in and near water,
• prepare, plan and teach high-quality School Swimming and Water Safety lessons in partnership with the school appropriate to the pupils’ age and ability – showing good understanding of National Curriculum requirements,
• work with school staff to oversee the assessment of pupils against selected Award Criteria,
• ensure appropriate numbers of fully qualified lifeguards are on poolside,
• understand their role and responsibility in the case of an emergency (understand the pool’s NOP and EAP.

Mobile Phones

School staff should not be using or referring to their mobile phones during school swimming lessons as this could compromise their ability to give their full attention to their pupils and the lesson taking place.  Their primary responsibility is the safe supervision of their pupils. Please refer to the Institute of Swimming

For an outdoor school pool which may have no landline or alarm, the school may include the use of walkie-talkies in their NOP & EAP.  These must be fully charged and manned responsibly at all times.  Staff may have mobile phones as a backup (again, these must be fully charged with a reliable signal.

Important Information

However, carrying a mobile phone with a good signal and fully charged may form part of the school’s Risk Assessment for contacting emergency services or the school in the event of an incident or injury.

For some pupils, School Swimming and Water Safety could be their first experience of being in a swimming pool.  It is important that they know and understand the rules of the pool, pool layout and the possible hazards of this new environment (See Appendix D).

All school staff must have read and signed to show they understand the Normal Operating Procedure (NOP) for the pool being used for school swimming, to ensure that they are clear on their role and responsibilities during normal operations to maintain safety. 

For School Pools

Schools with their own pools will need to draw up the NOP for their pool. This needs reviewing at least annually to ensure it is current, relevant, and up to date.

School staff working in the pool must receive appropriate induction on the NOP, which must be recorded by the school, signed by the person delivering the induction, and kept on file. 

An Emergency Action Plan details roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency (See Appendix E)

The Emergency Action Plan is the responsibility of a leisure provider when a third-party pool is being used.  The responsibility for maintaining a safe swimming pool and building lies with the leisure provider when this is the case.

All staff must receive an induction on the EAP to ensure that they understand their role and responsibilities during an emergency. This must be recorded by the school, signed by the person delivering the training, and kept on file.

Safety signs, including arrangements in the event of an emergency, need to be clearly visible in relevant areas of the pool area and pupils need to be made aware of these.  School staff in conjunction with leisure provider staff, need to ensure that, for pupils for whom English is not their first language, those who are visually impaired or have difficulty in reading, understand all safety signs.

Regardless of the type of pool being used (leisure provider/school pool/private school pool), all school classes should run emergency practice drills to evacuate the water and summon assistance during the first lesson of each term. These should then be carried out regularly afterwards in order that both staff and pupils recognise and understand emergency signals and procedures and know how to respond to them.  Space (foil) blankets should be available near emergency exits.  

Consideration needs to be given to:

• Pupils leaving the pool during an emergency with bare feet,
• Pupils with additional needs or physical disabilities.

Exit doors and signs, fire-fighting equipment, and alarm points need to be checked regularly to ensure that they are working and accessible.

All fire doors must be able to open without the aid of a key at all times the pool is in use. These should be checked at the start of every lesson.

Safety equipment such as poles, throwing ropes or throw bags, first aid provision (such as an emergency blanket) and emergency alarms need to be fit for purpose and sufficient in quantity. These need to be regularly checked, records kept, and an initialled checklist available by the alarm. Equipment needs to be accessible and readily available when needed without creating additional hazards to pool users.

All pools must be equipped with an alarm or alternative backup in the event of an accident or incident to ensure support can be summoned quickly.  If the pool has no alarm, there should be a landline phone on the poolside which is checked before each lesson.  Access to emergency services must be guaranteed at all times the pool is in use. Mobile phones are only appropriate as a backup and signals and battery life must be checked on arrival at the pool prior to the lesson. 

All pools need to have a clear procedure for removing pupils with physical disabilities.  Where a pool has a spinal board/special recovery stretcher, staff should receive training in this.  It is recommended that special schools have a spinal board on the poolside.  Training can be provided by Herts Handling Training Ltd.

A variety of teaching and flotation aids should be available.  Equipment should:

• conform to any British Standard,
• be checked before the lesson to ensure it is safe to use,
• be close at hand for ease of access during lessons but be kept tidily on poolside to minimise trip hazards,
• be used appropriately to avoid over-reliance,
• not to be given to non-swimmers to allow them into the water out of their ability depth,
• be appropriate and safe for the needs of pupils,
• be correctly fitted or held according to the design and purpose of the aid.

Any electrical equipment on the poolside needs to be:

• designed for use in an aquatic environment,
• of low voltage or battery-operated,
• located so as not to create an additional hazard,
• have current circuit breakers attached,
• PAT tested annually,
• checked regularly.

No one in the water should handle any electrical equipment.

(AfPE Safe Practice in Physical Education, School Sport, and Physical Activity 2016 Edition)

Statutory Information

Schools with their own pools will need to draw up or review their own risk assessment as a basis for writing the EAP for their pool.

AfPE Safe Practice in Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity (2020 Edition) have produced a very useful table, which outlines the aspects schools would expect to find within these documents:

NOPs (Normal Operating Procedure)

These are the day-to-day organisational systems based on risk assessment and would typically include information relating to:

• pool design and depth (this should be clearly marked; ropes separating shallow from deep; two connected bottom outlet pipes; ladders/steps?; use of electrical equipment
• temperature of the water – PWTAG recommend this should be between 29 degrees °C – 31 degrees °C  for teaching pupils
• potential areas of risk; clear signage; safe access onto poolside; steps and rails (entrapment risks?); glare and blind spots?
• whistle drills and alarms; e.g: One short blast - Calls for attention of pool users, Two short blasts - Calls for the attention of a lifeguard or member of staff, Three short blasts - Indicates a lifeguard taking emergency action
• arrangements for lessons
• responsibility for safety
• staffing levels and qualifications
• supervision and pupil conduct
• arrangements for pupils with particular needs (e.g. very young children, or those with SEND or medical conditions)
• pools safety equipment
• clothing and personal equipment
• maximum numbers
• first aid provision

EAPs (Emergency Action Plan)

This should establish who assumes leadership in managing emergencies and the action to be taken in relation to such issues as:

• serious injury to bather
• dealing with casualties in the water
• sudden overcrowding in a public pool
• sudden lack of water clarity
• disorderly behaviour
• faecal fouling
• vomit
• blood contamination
• emergency action due to: fire alarm, bomb threat, power failure, structural failure, toxic-gas emission, weather (thunder and lightning in outdoor pools) or glare from sunlight

In each pool and each session, the pupils and the staff participating, will have unique features that make particular demands upon safety. Each pool and each session must therefore be dealt with individually and risk assessments produced to cover the activity.

Swim England, Safe Supervision for Teaching and Coaching Swimming 2017 highlights six important factors, these are:

Pool design

 The suitability of the general design of the pool area for teaching and coaching includes:

• shape and blind spots including those resulting from the position of equipment,
• special water features such as sprays, inlets, and wave machines,
• glare, reflection, lighting, and noise.

Depth

 Its importance in relation to the ability and height of the pupils includes:

• the depth and extent of shallow water areas,
• the extent of deepwater areas,
• the pool floor profile, in particular sudden changes in depth,
• the possibility of being able to segregate the shallow water area (e.g. roping off and using a boom).

Water quality

Two factors need to be considered:

• the temperature of the pool water (and the air) in respect of comfort - bearing in mind pupils’ size, age, and physical ability,
• clarity of the pool water.

Pool organisation

The arrangements of the lesson must be considered:

• who has the responsibility for the pool,
• is there exclusivity of use?
• is there shared use with other activities?
• if use is shared, what are the implications? (e.g. lifeguarding responsibilities),
• nature of activities,
• access/admission arrangements.

Staffing

The skills and experience of staff and the ratios of pupils to teachers/coaches are important therefore, consideration needs to be given to:

• the qualification and number of teachers, coaches, and lifeguards required,
• the skill of teachers, coaches, and lifeguards,
• the degree of support and help provided by appropriate helpers, including parents, school assistants, and auxiliaries.

Pupils and ability

The factors to be considered include:

• the age of pupils,
• the range of swimming ability. This should be known by the teacher or specialist swimming teacher and each new pupil should be checked at the first lesson, in shallow water,
• the use of flotation aids,
• the ability of pupils to comprehend instructions including their command of the language in which the lesson is taught,
• medical/additional needs.

The school must provide the specialist swimming teacher with a register, up-to-date medical information, and any other relevant information (e.g. Additional Needs) about the pupils, at least one week before the swimming programme takes place.

The completed register of pupils present should be updated and handed to the specialist swimming teacher for them to check before each lesson (see Appendix X).

Useful Links

• See Appendix A: Model Risk Assessment for a Public Pool
• See Appendix B: Model Risk Assessment for Indoor School Pools
• See Appendix C: Model Risk Assessment for Outdoor School Pools

Statutory Information

Accompanying school staff are expected to undertake a dynamic risk assessment in situ each time they attend the pool. Staff should take action to control any identified changes such as:

• water quality and temperature,
• the integrity of pool enclosure/building,
• availability and condition of rescue/emergency equipment,
• the age, range of ability, and numbers of pupils in each class,
• the activities they will be undertaking,
• the qualifications of the people leading and supporting the session,
• known additional needs/medical conditions,
• weather conditions.

If in any doubt about the safety of the lesson, don’t proceed.  Ensure concerns are addressed and resolved with the leisure provider prior to pupils being allowed to swim.

Public Pools

The school needs to make a judgement if the public pool is safe and appropriate for School Swimming. Where public pools are used regularly for swimming lessons, the school and leisure provider should arrange an induction course on the NOP and EAP to ensure that all accompanying School staff are clear about how the pool operates and the role they will have to play in an emergency, before the school swimming programme starts.

Schools whose pupils take part in swimming must be familiar with:

• risk assessments for the pool,
• the Normal Operating Procedure (NOP),
• the Emergency Action Plan (EAP),
• conditions of hire/hire agreement,
• Pool Rules (usually found in NOP and displayed on the poolside),
• any special requirements or medical conditions of pupils.

Key Information

The Appendices at the end of this policy contain model procedures and forms, which must be made specific to each school and pool.

 

The Headteacher should ensure that all relevant and up-to-date medical and health information is maintained within the School Swimming Folder.

It is a requirement that all relevant medical conditions are documented on each school's swimming register and Risk Assessment.  Specialist swimming teachers and accompanying school staff must be made aware of all medical information one week prior to that pupil swimming (see Appendix X - Swimming class registers including information on pupils with medical conditions and/or additional needs - information for leisure providers).  This will need updating when necessary.

If a pupil experiences a new medical condition during a school swimming lesson, this must be documented in writing by the Teacher in Charge of School Swimming and the Risk Assessment amended accordingly.

School staff should discuss the condition with the Parent/Guardian/Carer of the pupil and review whether the pupil is able to continue swimming.  This will ensure that safety procedures can be put in place before the pupil participates in the next swimming lesson.

Written permission from parents may be required prior to allowing a pupil with a particular medical condition to participate in the School Swimming programme.  The school may need to seek help from outside organisations to understand how aquatic activities may affect the pupil.

The requirements for pupils with Epilepsy may vary depending on whether an effective medication management regime is in place, the effectiveness of this in controlling the onset of episodes, and whether the pupil has a history of episodes whilst swimming.  For pupils with Epilepsy, an assigned member of staff will need to be given the role of a ‘spotter’. 

The pupil may need to work alongside a responsible person in the water when they are out of their depth.  Using a ‘buddy’ system with a pupil or helper in the water can provide non-intrusive supervision, which also avoids embarrassment on behalf of the pupil.

Important Information

It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that all medication (including inhalers) is accessible at all times at the poolside.  All medication should be placed in a watertight container.

Useful Links

A pupil should not be allowed to swim if their medication is not available at the poolside. 

Please refer to the Department of Health Guidance on the use of inhalers in schools (gov.uk)

Please refer to the Department of Health Guidance on the use of Adrenaline Auto-injectors in Schools (gov.uk)

All schools should ensure they have procedures in place for First Aid including travel to, from, and at the pool.

In the event of an emergency evacuation, emergency blankets should be available for all and clearly labelled.

In addition to lifeguard provision, there must be a member of staff with an appropriate First Aid qualification on-site at all times when the pool is in use.   In public pools, this is the responsibility of the pool operator/leisure provider.

Statutory Information

Schools are responsible for reporting all minor incidents themselves when they get back to school. Most schools will keep online records so may wish to take copies of the County AssessNet form to the pool and then transfer this information. Leisure providers will also have their own procedures for recording and reporting accidents.

Accidents/Incidents should be reported to BC via the AssessNet system and if warranted it may require reporting to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). Appendix J is an example form, which schools may wish to use.

A copy of the pool rules will be found in the site’s NOP.  Rules will vary from pool to pool, so it is important that school staff read and understand the NOP for the site they are using before the first session.

The pool rules should be displayed and explained to all pupils before their first school swimming lesson. Pupils should be reminded at the start of each term and ideally coincide with the emergency procedures when being tested (i.e. alarms).  The following are examples of standard pool rules.  It is by no means a comprehensive list:

• pupils must not enter onto poolside unless a lifeguard/lifesaver is present,
• pupils must not leave the pool without permission, nor return without reporting to the person in charge,
• pupils must remain away from the pool edge until instructed to approach the water,
• pupils must walk, not run poolside,
• pupils must respond immediately to all instructions,
• all those on the poolside must understand and respond appropriately to pool emergency procedures for stopping activity and evacuating the pool,
• report any unacceptable, unsafe behaviour that may compromise safety,
• no food to be consumed at the poolside, including sweets and gum,
• no shouting,
• no jumping or diving unless instructed to do so,
• removing, or making safe, all jewellery,
• no outdoor shoes on the poolside,
• swim caps must be worn and other hygiene procedures for the pool followed,
• report any illness,
• medication that may be required should be on the poolside.

The pool’s NOP should be checked before jumping in is allowed, as the water may be too shallow. Pool depth needs to be at least 1m, although Swim England advises a risk assessment be undertaken before jumping is permitted to take place into the water of less than 1.5m.

Useful Links 

Swim England also provides guidance and resources to support the management of aquatic programmes. Please visit Swin England - The Swim England Facilities Team

Important Information

Only Swim England Level 2 / STA Level 2 Swimming Teachers are qualified to teach diving (individuals will need to check if their qualification allows them to do this as some do not)

Refer to the section on Diving – Shallow Entry Racing Dives for further clarification

 

The Equality Act ensures that disabled persons may not be treated less well than any other person.  Policies and procedures or physical changes to the environment (reasonable adjustments) may need to be put into place to ensure pupils with disabilities are able to learn to swim.  However, there remains the caveat that justifiable actions for the protection of an individual’s life or health and safety override the duty to include.

Adults in the water are only able to supervise the swimmer they are assisting and should not be counted in the supervision ratios, although they do count in the bather load (thus pool capacity). Lifeguarding/pool watching duties must be carried out by qualified staff on the side of the pool.

Physiotherapists should have completed a course in managing hydrotherapy activities.

A variety of skills are required stemming from an assessment of each pupil’s individual requirements. For schools with hydrotherapy pools, at least two members of staff poolside should have undertaken a minimum of Swim England Support Teacher of School Swimming Certificate.

Staff supporting pupils in the water should work with experienced staff. This induction can take place within or between schools. 

Useful links 

Download the AfPE Handbook which provides guidance for school staff on considerations and teaching advice for working with pupils with specific conditions within PE and School Swimming.

Visit the Swim England Inclusion Hub

Important Information

Adult: pupil ratio - This should not be determined in accordance with any swimming-specific written guidelines that may exist.

A safe ratio can only be determined by carefully examining individual pupils' abilities, medical profiles, and EHCP’s in conjunction with relevant medical staff. For example, specialist knowledge is required when planning for pupils who are nil-by-mouth or require thickened drinks. These pupils should never take any pool water into their mouths due to the risk of secondary drowning.  These activity programmes usually involve multidisciplinary teaching by a group of professionals; for example swimming teacher; a class teacher; learning support/care assistants and a physiotherapist. 

(Association for Physical Education, AfPE, ‘Safe Practice in Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity’2020)

As a guide, Swim England recommends a ratio of 8:1 for qualified swimming teachers for high-quality provision, with 1:1 support in the water where the RA requires. Ratios for Special schools will be much lower and individual Risk Assessments are key in determining these ratios.  For school staff who have attended either the Support Teacher of School Swimming or ‘Supporting Pupils within SEND during their School Swimming courses, a ratio of 3:1 is recommended as a guide. 

Water-based activity in hydrotherapy pools requires higher levels of supervision, often on a one-to-one basis in the water. Individual pupils’ medical profiles and health care plans need to be examined, alongside relevant medical staff in order to arrive at safe ratios.

Hydrotherapy pools in Special Schools need to pay particular attention to the development of risk-management schemes for:

• moving and handling, which includes all aspects of lifting and carrying of pupils or transfers between equipment, such as in and out of wheelchairs,
• transporting pupils between changing rooms and the pool,
• entry and exit from the pool,
• dressing/undressing areas and support staff,
• emergency equipment and procedures for pupils with disabilities/spinal injuries,
• pool accessibility (i.e. ramps, hoists, and changing facilities),
• increased Teacher: Pupil ratio,
• pool temperature may be set higher for disabled swimmers (e.g. 32 degrees C for Special needs school pools,
• assistant/helper in the water.

Training staff in hydrotherapy pools/special school pools

BSSP in conjunction with BC are able to offer courses aimed at school staff who support pupils with sensory and physical needs during their school swimming lessons.  For more information, contact swimming@ahs.bucks.sch.uk.

School Teachers supporting the delivery of lessons to SEND pupils need to undertake training in either the Swim England SEND School Swimming or Support Teacher of School Swimming, see pages 44-46. They may then work under the guidance of a qualified Swim England Level 2 Swimming Teacher. 

Staff working with individual pupils in the water will also need to be appropriately trained (again the SEND School Swimming Course is an appropriate qualification); they will also need to have handling expertise and sufficient knowledge of each individual pupil’s physical and medical needs.  

Swim England recommends a ratio of 8:1 for qualified swimming teachers with 1:1 support in the water where the RA requires. Where school staff hold either the Support Teacher of School Swimming or Supporting Pupils with SEND during their School Swimming, a ratio of 3:1 is recommended as a minimum.

Swim England recommends a ratio of 8:1 for qualified swimming teachers with 1:1 support in the water where the RA requires. Where school staff hold either the Support Teacher of School Swimming or Supporting Pupils with SEND during their School Swimming, a ratio of 3:1 is recommended as a minimum.

Important Information

Ratios for Special Schools will be much lower and Individual Risk Assessments are key in determining these ratios.

Hoists

In school pools, staff must follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the use of pool hoists, ensure they receive the appropriate training for its use before using it with a pupil, and ensure it has a regular (as per the manufacturer's instructions) safety check.

Both at leisure provider pools and school pools, where the hoist uses a sling, the swimmer needs to provide their own sling appropriate to their weight, as this is a personal piece of equipment and thus not shareable.

Swim England SEND Course for School Staff

Overview of the course (5-6 hours):

1. Improve understanding of SEND and inclusion in the National Curriculum and Physical Education, specifically Swimming
2. Swimming and Water Safety in the National Curriculum and adaptations where required
3. Identify good practices in health and safety
4. Understand barriers to swimming and Identify strategies to overcome these for pupils with SEND
5. Identify methods of communication and resources to support pupils with SEND
6. Understand fundamental movement skills and core aquatic skills and the links between them
7. How to develop water confidence using core aquatic skills
8. How to introduce the swimming strokes

For more information, or to book the above course, please email swimming@ahs.bucks.sch.uk

Lifeguard in a special school hydrotherapy pool 

The lifeguarding qualification required for hydrotherapy pools is the RLSS Aquatic Therapy Shallow Pool Rescue Award (ATSPRA). Other scenarios are listed below:

Situation	Lifeguarding Qualification Needed	Information
In a school pool with deep water (over 1.2m) during an un-programmed session	Minimum qualification: National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)	The pool’s NOP should be referred to, as un-programmed sessions are often prohibited due to their unpredictable nature
In a Special School pool or hydrotherapy pool with shallow water (less than 1.2m) during a programmed session	Royal Life Saving Society Aquatic Therapy Shallow Pool Rescue Award for Swimming	This qualification is required for school staff working with pupils with additional physical needs. ATSPRA is a supervision and rescue qualification for therapists, teachers, and support staff working on the poolside or in the water during activities such as aquatic therapy or therapeutic exercise/play
In a school pool with shallow water (less than 1.2m) during an un-programmed session (for example, if the pool is hired as an external booking)	Minimum qualification: National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)	Un-programmed school sessions are prohibited due to their unpredictable nature

Please note, the guidance above states the minimum provision required by Buckinghamshire Council and the Bucks School Swimming Partnership. In all circumstances, schools should also refer to the pool’s NOP as more advanced qualifications may be needed after a risk assessment.

Statutory Information

School staff will be responsible for ensuring that they keep a record of their swimming qualification and where relevant, lifeguard qualification expiry dates, both individually and in the School Swimming Folder, and must undertake a one-day refresher course prior to the expiry of the qualification. Lifeguards will only be able to work in a pool where they are qualified to the pool’s maximum depth.

Inclusion 2020 was an exciting initiative, inspired by the 2020 Paralympic Games, funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.  Its aim was to increase and improve opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to participate in school sports.

Swim England provided a range of tools and resources to help schools, lesson providers and pool operators make sure their swimming programmes are fully inclusive.  Despite the programme finishing, these should still be helpful to schools and can be found on the BSSP website.

As well as the PE and Sport Premium for primary schools, which provides funds to support schools in delivering inclusive sport, the Government provides helpful guides and policy documents for organisations that work with pupils who have SEND and/or high needs.  The SEND Code of Practice: 0-25 years also provides helpful advice.

Swim England has now launched a CPD for all staff working with pupils with additional needs during their school swimming lessons.  Please contact swimming@ahs.bucks.sch.uk for further information and to book onto this course with the Bucks School Swimming Partnership.

Useful Links

See the following website links:

• SEND School Swimming guidance documents (Swim England)
•  Inclusion Guidance (Swim England)
• Halliwick 

For all school swimming and water safety lessons, at least 2 members of school-appointed staff, who know the pupils, should accompany the class to the swimming pool (this applies to both school pools and leisure provider pools). At least one of these should be the class teacher. Primary School Teachers should accompany their own class to swimming, whenever possible, as they know their pupils in a unique way. There should always be someone on the poolside who knows the specific medical or additional needs of the pupils. 

This is in accordance with both Swim England recommendations and the Association for Physical Education (AfPE) who state: ‘Where specialist swimming teachers are employed to lead the lesson, it is strongly recommended that school staff remain on poolside to provide an assisting role.’

 All school staff accompanying pupils to swimming lessons should:

• understand what their qualification enables them to do,
• ensure that their qualifications are kept up to date and are refreshed when required,
• make it clear what standard of swimmer they are confident to teach,
• understand the limits of the role,
• be confident at the poolside,
• demonstrate good knowledge and be able to communicate this clearly to the pupils,
• follow their school Behaviour Policy, ensuring good discipline of the pupils,
• regularly carry out headcounts during, as well as at the beginning and end of sessions,
• know, understand and be able to apply the pool's normal operating procedures (NOPs) and emergency action plan (EAP),
• be suitably dressed for the role they are to play in the lesson,
• adapt their approach to suit the needs of different pupils,
• ensure they maintain a good teaching position at all times - this often means having to move frequently to overcome anything that makes visibility difficult (e.g. glare, shadow, sunlight),
• not enter the water without leaving a lifeguard/lifesaver and a qualified member of school staff on the poolside,
• not exceed the recommended teacher: pupil ratio arrived at through a risk assessment of each group,
• maintain good relationships with the pool operators and aquatics teachers, ensuring that communication is effective in ways that benefit the pupils, and their roles and responsibilities regarding water safety cover remain clear and understood.

(Based on Safe Practice: in Physical Education, School Sport, and Physical Activity 2016 Edition)

 Accompanying school staff needs to work in partnership with specialist swimming teachers.  The Partnership Agreement (Appendix Z1) helps them to do this.

Important Information

To clarify, in addition to trained specialist swimming teachers, there should be two members of school staff on the poolside who are suitably qualified, confident, and competent. Staff must hold, as a minimum, the Swim England Support Teacher of School Swimming Certificate. Please refer to the section on Teaching Qualifications, along with the overview of the Swim England National Curriculum Training Programme for teaching School Swimming.

For schools with their own pools, it is highly recommended that staff also undertake the Swim England Teacher of School Swimming, which completes the Swim England National Curriculum Training Programme. The names and dates of staff trained should be kept in the School Swimming Folder (BSSP holds the County Database for all trained staff). Where individuals hold qualifications gained from other providers, they must submit copies of certificates to the BSSP Swimming Team.

The specialist swimming teacher and school staff in charge of the group should be teaching from the side of the pool where the whole group can be seen and from where feedback can be given on the performance of each pupil in the group.

There may be some circumstances in which it is appropriate for the school teacher or a classroom assistant to be in the water supporting individual pupils (as an additional person). This would be the exception rather than the rule and only following a careful risk assessment by the swimming teacher.  It should include potential factors such as:

• COVID-19,
• depth of water,
• pupil ability,
• use of aids,
• size of pool,
• number and age of pupils,
• lifeguarding arrangements.

When teaching or instructing non-swimmers or weak swimmers in underwater swimming or activity the specialist swimming teacher of the group should be positioned on the poolside at the point nearest to that activity, but so that they can also see the rest of the class. When an additional person is in the water assisting, they must be aware of the NOP and School Safeguarding Policy.  Also, refer to the section on Safeguarding see page 66.  This will not compromise ratios on the poolside.

If there is glare on the surface of the pool and the bottom of the pool cannot be clearly seen, it may be necessary to rope off the area or cover the window (indoor pool only) letting in the light.  It may be that repositioning themselves will allow staff to see the bottom of the pool clearly.  If this is still not possible, swimming should cease.

Accompanying school staff, who are not involved in teaching swimming under the guidance of a specialist swimming teacher, should nonetheless be positioned such that they are able to support the swimming teacher in the control of pupils and observation of their group.  They should, however, ensure that they do not obstruct those working on the poolside, their position must be specified in the NOP. 

Care needs to be taken that there are not excessive numbers of adults on the poolside, but that all staff accompanying the pupils swimming are alert and supportive of the qualified swimming teacher.

Important Information 

The teacher or member of staff in charge of a group must ensure that, at all times, they can see all the pupils and NEVER turn their back on a group, or position themselves so that pupils are behind them.

It is recognised that in some circumstances the pool operator or teacher/provider will have to assess the risk and may feel it is more appropriate to teach in the water. This practice should only be considered after carrying out a risk assessment giving careful consideration to all the following factors:

• Pool depth,
• The ability of learners,
• Age of learners,
• Use of flotation aids and lifesaving support,
• The teacher can clearly see all learners at all times and be close enough to provide appropriate manual support if required.

In this way, it may be practicable to supervise up to 6 learners, ratios may need to be reduced to ensure safety and effective teaching.  Ratios above this should not be considered unless additional helpers are in the water.

For additional information, please see Swim England Safe Supervision (the latest version is due out shortly).

Statutory Information

There should always be qualified school staff on the poolside with an overview of the group and the lifeguard should be on the side of the pool.

Supporting pupils in the water

Supporting pupils through physical contact can be helpful to their progress and, depending on the situation, it might be appropriate to support pupils by their hands, shoulders or head.  To demonstrate appropriate safeguarding techniques it is best practice to keep hands where they can be seen at all times and offer support by using a flat, open palm, back of the hand or by using floatation/teaching equipment.  Pupils should always be asked if they are happy for support using physical contact.  If they say ‘no’, or are not comfortable with this teaching practice, you will need to find an alternative method of support.  The school should work with parents and the pupil to understand the best method of support (if for example, the pupil has swimming lessons outside of school and is supported in the water).  This should be identified within the Risk Assessment and agreed with all (including the headteacher) prior to the School Swimming Programme commencing.

Important Information

When you do use manual support, it is important that you make sure that:

• It is only provided when necessary and only for as long as it is required,
• Pupils are handled with empathy,
• The member of staff in the water has checked that pupils are happy to be supported, discussions take place about how they will be supported,
• School staff are aware of potential safeguarding implications and ensure that, for example, their hands are appropriately positioned and in full view at all times,
• The swimming teacher should keep his/her hands in view whenever possible,
• The member of school staff in the water should be easily recognisable by, for example, wearing a bright t-shirt,
• The personal space of the learner should not be infringed - the member of school staff in the water should be aware of familiarity that may come from pupils.

Staff accompanying pupils to their School Swimming lessons need to undertake training to ensure they are confident and competent at the poolside. The table below explains the requirements:

Minimum requirements	Qualification
For all staff accompanying their pupils' school swimming at a leisure provider pool	Swim England Support Teacher of School Swimming - (Formerly ASA NCTP Fundamentals of School Swimming)
For staff teaching swimming at their own shallow tank pool without a Swim England Level 2 or equivalent	Swim England Support Teacher of School Swimming - (Formerly ASA NCTP Fundamentals of School Swimming)
Highly recommended for staff teaching swimming at their own shallow tank pool without a Swim England Level 2 or equivalent	Swim England Support Teacher of School Swimming - (Formerly ASA NCTP Fundamentals of School Swimming)
For Secondary PE teachers teaching in a school pool deeper than 1.2m with a qualified Swim England Level 2 or equivalent	Swim England Teacher of School Swimming - (Formerly ASA NCTP Fundamentals of School Swimming)
Staff teaching swimming in hydrotherapy pools at Special Schools or as part of SEND Swimming need training	(New) Supporting pupils with SEND during School Swimming or Swim England Support Teacher of School Swimming

Swim England recommends completion of both Support Teacher and Teacher of School Swimming courses. please note, that the Secondary Teacher of School Swimming course (aimed at PE teachers) is a combined 1-day course with pre-course reading.

Useful Links 

For further information and course flyers, please visit the BSSP website.

Statutory Information

The holder of Swim England Support Teacher of School Swimming may work under the guidance of a specialist swimming teacher to actively support and assist.

The holder of Swim England Teacher of School Swimming will be qualified to plan & evaluate session plans in line with NC and teach independently within a school swim programme alongside at least one other at a shallow tank pool, 1.2m or below. However, at leisure provider pools, they will need to work alongside a qualified Level 2 Swimming Teacher.

The below explains the Swim England Course content and overview. All candidates will receive invaluable resources, including the NCTP Learner Guide and National Curriculum Activity Cards. (Candidates will be registered with Swim England, recorded on the BSSP Database, and will receive certificates).

Primary CPD 

Support Teacher of School Swimming (6-hour course)

The course includes practical elements. Candidates must be confident in the water and able to swim 25m.

1. Statutory requirements for swimming and water safety in the National Curriculum
2. Good practice with regard to health and safety in a school swimming programme
3. Roles, responsibilities, and relationships related to the delivery of swimming in schools
4. Organisation of the learning environment
5. Physical literacy and its importance in PE and School Swimming
6. Developing water confidence using the core aquatic skills
7. Introduction to the swimming strokes

Teacher of School Swimming (Day-long course with some pre-course reading)

The course includes an Observation of Candidates teaching pupils (or if this is not possible, each other).

1. Aquatic skills appropriate to those working at the improver level
2. Technical aspects related to the four strokes – i.e. stroke analysis
3. Faults and causes and progressive practices to bring about improvement
4. Key skills within the School Swimming and Water Safety Charter that meet National Curriculum attainment targets
5. Key considerations when developing a school swimming lesson plan
6. Creation of session plans for the delivery of swimming lessons - delivery of these
7. Key aspects of communication in relation to delivery – feedback, questioning, and skill development
8. Reviewing the effectiveness of  planning and delivery to improve participant progression

Secondary CPD 

Secondary Teacher of School Swimming

Combined course - 15 hours: pre-course reading and 1-day course. The course includes an Observation of Candidates teaching pupils (or if this is not possible, each other).

1. Statutory requirements for swimming and water safety in the National Curriculum
2. Good practice with regard to health and safety in a school swimming programme
3. Roles, responsibilities, and relationships related to the delivery of swimming in schools
4. Organisation of the learning environment
5. Development of water confidence using the core aquatic skills
6. Introduction to the swimming strokes
7. Skills appropriate to those working at the improver and more advanced level (drills)
8. Technical aspects related to the four strokes – i.e. stroke analysis
9. Faults and causes and progressive practices to bring about improvement
10. Key skills for school swimming that meet National Curriculum attainment targets for KS3/4 PE (including Water Polo and Synchronised Swimming)
11. Key considerations when developing a Swimming lesson plan
12. Creation of session plans for the delivery of swimming lessons and delivery of these
13. Key aspects of communication in relation to delivery – feedback, questioning and skill development
14. Reviewing the effectiveness of planning and delivery to improve participant progression

CPD for Special Schools - Swim Supporting Pupils with SEND During School Swimming (5-6 hour course)

1. Improve understanding of SEND and inclusion in the National Curriculum and Physical Education, specifically Swimming
2. Swimming and Water Safety in the National Curriculum and adaptations where required
3. Identify good practice in health and safety
4. Understand barriers to swimming and Identify strategies to overcome these for pupils with SEND
5. Identify methods of communication and resources to support pupils with SEND
6. Understand fundamental movement skills and core aquatic skills and the links between them
7. How to develop water confidence using core aquatic skills
8. How to introduce the swimming strokes

Key Information 

For details on all of the above courses, or to book a place, please contact BSSP by emailing swimming@ahs.bucks.sch.uk

Important Information 

Swim England advises that school staff should refresh or upskill their training within a 5-year period.  Please see page 45 for the recommended pathway of training.

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The building design of swimming pools varies greatly as do specific circumstances, thus each class will be very different.  Therefore, definitive sets of ratios are not always appropriate.

For example, shallow-depth learner pools are much easier to supervise than large public pools where the presence of public swimmers can present problems. The starting point for any such policy should be the completion of a thorough Risk Assessment based on:

• Numbers of ‘qualified staff’,
• Numbers of ‘non-qualified’ adult helpers who are on poolside in a supervisory/spotting role,
• Pupil ability,
• The facility, including water depth and un-programmed activities taking place at the same time,
• Pupil behaviour,
• Pupils with additional needs and disabilities.

Please talk to your leisure provider who should be happy to advise on the Risk Assessment.

Teacher: Pupil ratios (not to be confused with bather capacity) will be found in the pool’s NOP and will be based on risk assessments.

All pools will have a designated maximum bather capacity appropriate to the size of the pool. This should be available in the pool’s NOP. Class sizes will be calculated from both bather capacity and an appropriate Risk Assessment.

Occasionally, specialist swimming teachers will request a dedicated named person to provide additional support for an individual pupil who has particular health and safety need/s whilst swimming. Sometimes this person is referred to as a "spotter".  If spotters are in the water, they become a participant and should be included in the numbers under the supervision of the specialist swimming teacher.  They will be added to the Swim England Teacher of School Swimming trained staff.

In exceptional circumstances, specialist swimming teachers may ask individual pupils to sit out of lessons until their health and safety in the water can be managed satisfactorily. A member of the school accompanying staff is responsible for the safe supervision of any pupil asked to sit out of a lesson.

Additional school accompanying staff, swimming teacher assistants, or support teachers, who may be in the water to aid a pupil, do not count towards the Teacher: Pupil ratio, but do count towards bather capacity numbers. They also need to be fully aware of their role and understand relevant aspects of both NOP and EAP.

Statutory Information

Irrespective of the Teacher: Pupil ratio, there must always be at least 2 qualified members of school staff present at the poolside during the swimming lesson.

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Schools involved in School Swimming Gala should adhere to both AfPE guidance and the following documents: 

• ‘Risk Management Considerations for Centrally Organised Sports Events’ Appendix M,
• ‘Considerations for those involved in Primary School Swimming Galas’ Appendix N.

 These documents include guidance on safety aspects in planning and involvement in the event, including risk assessments. Appendix O also contains an example of the Bucks Swimming Gala Risk Assessment.

Triathlon

Triathlon (combining swimming, cycling, and running) has grown in popularity in recent years. Pupils can be introduced to the activity through school events and can compete from as young as eight years old.  Refer to the British Triathlon website for clear rules and regulations to be followed during all three aspects of the triathlon.

Open Water Swimming

 Please see the Section on Natural Water Bathing / Open Water Swimming.

A number of religious and cultural issues need consideration for school swimming such as:

• wearing certain items of clothing and/or religious artefacts; e.g. some faiths will have issues with unacceptable exposure of the body; pupils may be expected to wear religious adornments,
• single or mixed gender groupings for school swimming,
• Religious/cultural festivals such as Ramadan, and the implications of these; e.g. fasting during Ramadan may result in low energy levels; a risk of dehydration and lower concentration levels,
• cultural expectations in PE and School Swimming,
• EAL pupils - ensuring understanding of all safety procedures and task requirements.

 What should schools put in place?

• Hold ongoing discussions with local faith leaders and parents so they understand school policies around school swimming,
• Ensure that safe practice is followed but accommodate adjustments to swimming attire (e.g. allow long costumes or legging whilst ensuring clothing is not heavy or likely to flap),
• Provide acceptable levels of privacy to take into account any mixed-gender issues,
• Where required and if practical and feasible build single-sex teaching into the swimming programme,
• Ensure EAL pupils are supported to ensure they understand key safety signals and phrases identified through the Risk Assessment such as ‘STOP’; support staff can attract and maintain their attention in the event of an emergency; consider using a Buddy system.

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