Southampton Junior & Primary Schools Swimming Policy 1 July 2007
Introduction Southampton City Council has a commitment to swimming in the city, with this in mind a Swimming Development Officer has been employed since 2003 based in the Sports Development Unit to develop swimming right across the city. A Swimming Forum has been formulated with all major swimming providers in the city attending this forum with the view of working in partnership and establishing good practice guidelines to enhance the swimming provision in the city. The key partners involved in the forum are: Amateur Swimming Association Southampton Local Education Authority Southampton School Sports Partnership County Sports Partnership Sport Hampshire & Isle of Wight Southampton City Council Swimming Pools - Bitterne Leisure Centre - Oaklands Swimming Pool - The Quays Swimming & Diving Complex Southampton University Shirley Swimming Pool Red Lodge Swimming Pool City of Southampton Swimming Club Weston Park Swim School The key priorities of the Southampton Swimming Forum in relation to school swimming are: 1. To ensure that all of Southampton s young people by the end of Key Stage 2 can achieve the governments recommendation of being able to swim 25m unaided and be able to tread water for 30 seconds 2. To ensure that any Southampton Young person not able to achieve the governments recommendation that access to a Top up scheme is available. 3. To ensure all swimming lessons are delivered by qualified swimming instructors 4. All Young people will receive recognition for the school swimming lessons they have attended 5. To ensure that all schools within the city have the opportunity to access the wide range of swimming providers 6. To ensure that all swimming providers are working consistently across the city offering good quality lessons working to the ASA guidelines and accessible facilities for all. 2 July 2007
7. To ensure young people are encouraged to fulfil and develop their potential with pathways created in swimming which will improve their health, well being and enhance the quality of their lives. The following syllabus will be introduced to all Primary/Junior Schools from September 2007 aimed at years 4 & 5 with provision made for those young people to access a top-up scheme in year 6 if they do not meet the criteria by the end of year 5:- Level 1 With aids* 1) Demonstrate a safe swivel entry into and safe exit out of the pool. 2) With mouth in the water blow bubbles for 3 seconds. 3) With or without buoyancy aid perform a push and glide in a prone position. 4) With or without a buoyancy aid kick 2 metres to the side of the pool. Front or Back 5) With or without a buoyancy aid show a prone and supine floating position. 6) Understand and answer a question on water safety code Level 2 Without aids 1) With face in the water blow bubbles for 3 seconds. 2) Submerge with confidence beneath the water. 3) Perform a push and glide and regain a standing position. 4) Travel 5 metres with an alternating propulsive leg kick. 5) Using an alternating arm action, travel 5m back OR front. 6) Travel 3m using a simultaneous leg action. Key Stage 2 requirements 7) Enter water safely using a jump into deep water and tread water for 30 seconds. 3 July 2007
8) Swim 25m own choice of recognisable stroke. Once the swimmer has completed Level 2 they will have achieved schools Key stage 2 requirements. Level 3 - Without aids 1) Enter water safely, using a jump into shallow water. 2) Submerge confidently beneath the water and blow bubbles for 5 seconds. 3) Scull 5m head first 4) Travel 5m showing a recognisable basic Breaststroke technique. 5) Travel 3m showing a basic Dolphin leg action. 6) Swim 25m showing basic technique in backstroke & front crawl Level 4 Without aids 1) Enter water safely, using a jump into deep water and tread water for 45 seconds 2) 15m Front crawl 3) 15m Back crawl 4) 15m Breaststroke 5) Scull feet first 5m 6) 10m dolphin kick 7) Swim underwater for 2m and pick up a brick All the above must be consistent strokes and be attained in a confident manner. Level 5 Without aids 1) Tread water for 1 minute. 2) Swim 25m front crawl with an efficient stroke (ASA Law) 3) Swim 25m back crawl with an efficient stroke (ASA Law) 4) Swim 25m breaststroke with an efficient stroke (ASA Law) 5) Swim 15m dolphin leg kick with efficiency 6) Perform a freestyle tumble turn 4 July 2007
7) Swim 5m underwater 8) Enter water showing good height and control with three different jump and / or dives. Level 6 Without aids 1) Enter water at least 1.5m in depth by means of a plunge or racing dive. 2) Tread water for 2 mins including one hand raised for 20 secs (arm can be swapped). 3) Swim 50m front crawl showing start, turn and finish. 4) Swim 50m back crawl showing start, turn and finish. 5) Swim 50m breaststroke showing start, turn and finish. 6) Swim 25m butterfly showing start, and finish.. All sections of this award should be completed according to ASA laws. *Aids can be items such as woggles, floats, or floatation devices. Level 1 & 2 are suggested to be in shallow water of no more than 1.2m depth. Level 3 & 4 are suggested to be in shallow water of 1.0+ depth. Level 5 & 6 are suggested to be in deep water of 1.7m + depth. 5 July 2007
Employment & Qualifications of Swimming Instructors & Teachers delivering school swimming There are many qualifications available for the teaching of swimming in schools and it is very confusing on the correct procedures to implement whilst trying to ensure that standards are kept and maintained. Many organisations such as BAALPE (British Association of Advisors & Lectures in Physical Education) & ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) offer guidance and recommendations. To meet the government agenda of all children at the end of key stage 2 being able to swim 25m un-aided and tread water for 30 seconds the following criteria has been adopted to assist venues in the employment of swimming instructors in the delivery of school swimming and teachers in school that have the responsibility of school swimming for their school. Employment a. All swimming Instructors must have an ASA Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification b. Swimming Instructors must provide original documentation of the qualification c. Criminal Records Bureau Check administered and clearance given d. 2 references must be asked for e. A practical exam must be implemented to ensure suitability to position f. Membership to Southampton s Coaches Registration Scheme Qualifications a. All swimming instructors must have an ASA Level 2 qualification b. All teachers that deliver school swimming must have a minimum of a National Curriculum Training Programme Module 1 (equivalent of ASA Level 1)* c. All external venues provide at least 1 ASA Level 2 Qualified Instructor for school swimming lessons. d. Lifeguarding provision will be provided by the external venues (this is completely separate provision) in the form of an NPLQ pool lifeguard qualification or with internal school pools the minimum of Rescue Test for teachers. e. Correct ratio s (Teachers to Children) must be maintained at all times (See section of appropriate ratio s) 6 July 2007
*This qualification is appropriate to year 1 of the swimming policy (2007-2008), after which time the National Curriculum Training Programme Module 2 (ASA Level 2 equivalent) will be required. Correct Ratio s for all sessions & Abilities General The Teacher in charge remains in loco parentis at all times and may stop the swimming lesson at any time if they are concerned as to the management and delivery of the lesson. To carry out this function the Teacher in Charge must be available at all times. a. Teachers involved in the Teacher to Pupil ratios are School Swimming Instructor and the Teacher in Charge. The only exception to this is in primary school swimming where a child needs constant attention or is on a one to one, in which case this will be determined by the Teacher in Charge and the School Swimming Instructor. The Teacher in Charge will direct a qualified swimming instructor either from the poolside or from within the pool. b. Head Teachers have responsibility for ensuring that the Teacher in Charge is fully aware of the ratio s set out in this policy document 7 July 2007
c. It is the responsibility of the School Swimming Instructor to ensure that the identified ratio s are complied with during school swimming lessons d. When determining actual ratio s for programmed sessions the Schools Swimming Instructor & the teacher in charge will take the following factors into account:- a. Age of pupils b. Range of Swimming ability c. Ability of pupils to comprehend instructions d. Any physical, behavioural or learning disabilities e. A Risk Assessment, which will be a generic assessment for primary school swimming e. A Lifeguard will be present on poolside during all swimming lessons, however, not included in the pupil to teacher ratio. f. The Teacher to pupil ratio for lessons are as follows:- School Year Pupils Ability Teacher:Pupil 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 Non Swimmers 1:12 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 Improvers & Competent Swimmers 1:20 R / 1 / 2 Non Swimmers & Improvers 1:12 (Teacher in the water 1:2) Under 5 Years Non Swimmers & Improvers 1:6 (Teacher in the water 1:1) g. Definitions * Non Swimmer a pupil who cannot swim and needs floatation aids * Beginner a pupil who can swim a few strokes but not achieve 10 metres * Improver a pupil who can swim a minimum of 10 metres on front and back, competently but who is not confident in deep water * Competent a pupil who can swim at least 25 metres competently and unaided on front and back, and can tread water for 2 minutes Any pupil who is supported in mainstream classes on a full time 1:1 basis must have his/her support on poolside during the swimming lesson Special School Pupils 8 July 2007
a. Adult to pupil ratios for special schools will need to be assessed separately, prior to the commencement of the swimming programme. Ratio s will be determined by individual pupil risk assessments and by consultation between the schools head teacher, PE co-ordinator and the school swimming Instructor, taking into account the pupils special needs, the pupils swimming ability and which swimming pool is used. b. The maximum ratio of swimmers per adult for special schools will be as follows:- Category Adult:Pupil Pupils under 5 yrs old 1:1 Pupils in yrs R 1 2 (according to needs determined by the medical information sheet) 1:1 1:4 Pupils requiring constant attention in the water 1:1 Profound and multiple learning difficulties 1:1 Autistic (according to needs determined by the medical information sheet) 1:1 1:4 Blind (according to needs determined by the medical information sheet) 1:1 1:4 Deaf (according to needs determined by the medical information sheet) 1:1 1:4 Emotional / Behavioural difficulties 1:4 Physical difficulties 1:4 Epileptic 1:4 Partially sighted 1:4 Partially hearing 1:4 Severe Learning difficulties 1:4 Moderate learning difficulties 1:5 Please contact Lee Page for clarification on ratios if your school has a particular issue or query; 02380 833689. Roles & Responsibilities Local Authority 1) Swimming Development Officer Southampton City Council a. Strategic management of the development of swimming in the city b. To support existing providers of swimming in the city c. To ensure best practice is prevalent d. To liaise with all swimming providers in the city e. Regular communication with all providers through a quarterly swimming forum 2) Swimming Venues a. To ensure all Health & Safety procedures are in place and communicated to all hirers, this includes all Risk Assessments, Emergency Action plans, Pool Rules & staffing b. To supply a minimum of 1 ASA Level 2 Qualified Swimming Instructor c. To ensure the pool is manned with the correct number of lifeguards for the booking 9 July 2007
3) Schools a. The headteacher to ensure a nominated Teacher in charge is allocated to the group attending the swimming lesson b. The headteacher to ensure that all personnel accompanying pupils to school swimming lessons have undertaken the appropriate training i.e emergency procedures, off-site procedures, correct ratio s when travelling c. The headteacher to ensure that Adults Other Than Teachers have completed an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and this has been cleared d. The headteacher ensures appropriate monitoring and assessment of school personnel in relation to the requirements of this policy document 4) The headteacher to ensure the Teacher i Charge has had appropriate Risk Assessment training. 5) Teacher in Charge a. The Teacher in Charge to liaise with the Swimming Instructor to ensure the correct ratio of Swimming Instructors to pupils (either qualified school teachers or additional venue swimming instructors) b. The Teacher in Charge has ensured that all relevant pupil information, including medical details are communicated to all Swimming Instructors and individual pupils identified c. The Teacher in Charge is fully aware of the venues Emergency procedures d. The teacher in Charge to maintain overall discipline and ensure appropriate behaviour of pupils at all times e. The Teacher in charge to arrange for adequate supervision in changing rooms at all times and all toilet breaks f. The teacher in charge to ensure headcounts are conducted before entry into the building, on poolside before the lesson, on poolside after the lesson and before the pupils leave the building g. To ensure no pupils enter onto poolside until the full complement/ratio s of staff are present h. It is the responsibility of the teacher in charge to collect the assessment data of every child as supplied by the venue swimming instructors. 6) Teacher or Adult other than teacher a. To ensure you are fully aware of the emergency procedures for the venue b. To wear appropriate clothing and footwear and be visible to all pupils c. Support and be directed by the Teacher in charge in terms of the process of entering and exiting the building, changing and movement of pupils to and from the poolside d. To have completed all appropriate training in relation to school swimming 7) Swimming Instructors a. Are responsible for the assessment and recording of the pupils b. Are responsible for the water safety of the pupils and for liaising with pool staff to ensure a safe teaching environment c. To ensure compliance with ratio s and procedures before each lesson 10 July 2007
d. To ensure they are fully conversant with the NOP & EAP for the building e. The organising of the lesson, positioning and use of all equipment f. To ensure you are fully visible to all i.e. clothing, footwear, whistle and name badge g. To ensure all pupils are fully aware of their surroundings and safe practices h. To maintain a group register and the monitoring and evaluation of the lessons i. To prepare lesson plan and schemes of work for all lessons j. To liaise with the pool staff at the end of the lesson to ensure all children are clear of the pool k. To liaise with the Teacher in Charge regarding incidents or changes needed for future lessons l. All pupils abilities must assessed by a swimming instructor on their first visit to the pool m. All pupils will be taught safe entry and exit methods in the swimming pool and all staff must ensure they adhere to this at all times 8) Lifeguard / Pool Staff a. To be present on poolside as soon as the pupils enter the building b. To liaise with Swimming Instructors, Teacher in Charge and school teachers on the safety of pupils c. To maintain full observation of the pool and pool users at all times d. To ensure that the pool is cleared at the end of each lesson and report this to the Teacher in Charge Guidance for Headteachers & Managers Codes of practice - Summary for schools accessing external venues 1. Introduction School swimming lessons will be aimed at years 4 & 5 with additional schemes available for young people to access in year 6 if required. This will assist with achieving the government s target of every young person being able to swim 25m and to tread water for 30 seconds by the end of key stage 2. 2. Responsibility For Safety The duty of care for pupils involved in swimming remains at all times with the Teacher in Charge. Specialist Instructors are employed by Southampton City Council and private organisations to plan and deliver quality swimming sessions in a safe, competent and professional manner. The Teacher in Charge has the responsibility for monitoring the progress of the pupils regardless of who directs the session 3. Qualifications a. All swimming instructors must have an ASA Level 2 qualification 11 July 2007
b. All teachers that deliver school swimming must have a minimum of a National Curriculum Training Programme Module 1 (equivalent of ASA Level 1)* c. All other personnel must have a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification on poolside and cannot contribute to Adult:Pupil ratio s d. All personnel must have completed and cleared a Criminal Records Bureau check 4. Supervision a. In a public pool when more than twenty pupils are in the water at any one time, at least two adults with responsibility for supervision should be present on the poolside (Swimming Instructor & at least the teacher in charge) b. Lifeguard provision will be provided by the hiring venue c. Pupils must be registered or counted both before and after the lesson d. Changing rooms must be adequately supervised 5. General :Teacher Pupil Ratio a. The ratio of swimming instructor to pupils in a swimming lesson is 1 to 20. (This may vary depending on the ability of the group. See ratio table above) b. With pools of depth exceeding 1.2 metres, one person on the poolside must have a recognised National Pool Lifeguarding qualification. This person must have the ability to perform lifesaving and must keep up to date with current methods 6. Swimmers with disabilities a. Each situation must be considered independently as people with disabilities do not form a homogeneous group. Please see table above for specific ratio guidance. 7. Poolside Communication 8. Diving a. All adults concerned with the supervision of swimming should ensure that the following whistle drill is fully understood and practised: - On one blast of the whistle all pupils must be still, quiet and face the teacher/instructor to await further instruction - On three blasts of the whistle pupils should move quickly to the nearest side of the pool or on the side of the pool and remain still, quiet and face the teacher/instructor to wait for instructions - A whistle should always be available at the swimming pool. a. All teaching staff should be notified that no head-first entry is allowed into any learner pool a. The vertical plane header dive from the side of the pool can only be taught where the water depth is not less than 2.7 metres but this must only be introduced under controlled teaching conditions and by a swimming instructor who has been trained in the delivery of basic diving techniques 12 July 2007
9. Running a. No running on the poolside at any time b. No pupil should enter the swimming pool (or get out of it) without permission from the swimming instructor or Teacher in charge c. Any jumping into the pool must be carefully supervised 10. Clothing & Equipment a. Pupils swimwear should be suitable for the session to be delivered b. Goggles and masks are not permitted to be worn, unless under exceptional circumstances. c. If for reasons of religion or culture pupils are permitted into the water in clothing other than usual swimwear, the pupil should be restricted to shallow water until they have shown that they are able to swim competently d. In the interests of safety and hygiene, all pupils with long hair must wear bathing caps e. Any pupil with a veruca must wear a protective waterproof sock 11. Jewellery 12. Eating a. All jewellery should be removed and handed to a teacher for safe keeping a. It is advisable that no pupil should swim within 1 hour of taking a meal b. No chewing of gum or sweets will be permitted during a swimming lesson 13. Telephones a. A telephone should be available and easily accessible at all times when the pool is in use. The teacher in charge must be aware of the location and quickest route to the telephone 14. First Aid a. The Swimming pool being used for the lessons will have first aid provision on site. It is the responsibility of the teacher in charge to determine the actual procedures for the pool and the adequate provision for the size of the group accessing the pool. b. First Aid must be administered by a qualified first aider either from the pool staff or a qualified teacher from the school c. All appropriate accident and incident forms must be completed d. It is advisable for the teacher in charge to have a portable first aid kit available at all times 13 July 2007
15. Emergency Procedures a. It is essential that all personnel responsible for swimming activities are fully aware of the correct emergency procedures to be taken in the event of an incident. b. All swimming pools have an EAP (Emergency Action Plan) and an NOP (Normal Operating Procedure) which all personnel should be made aware of before commencing the session. c. All personnel should be aware of the location of pool alarms 16. Swimming Aids a. Swimming aids such as floats and armbands, and any other aids as recommended by the A.S.A should be available for use in accordance with current teaching techniques. 14 July 2007
Guidance for Headteachers & Managers Codes of practice - Summary for schools using their own pool 1. Introduction School swimming lessons will be aimed at years 4 & 5 with additional schemes available for young people to access in year 6 if required. This will assist with achieving the government s target of every young person being able to swim 25m and to tread water for 30 seconds by the end of key stage 2. 2. Responsibility For Safety 15 July 2007
The duty of care for pupils involved in swimming remains at all times with the Teacher in Charge. The Teacher in charge has the responsibility for monitoring the progress of the pupils regardless of who directs the session 3. Qualifications a. All swimming instructors must have an ASA Level 2 qualification b. All teachers that deliver school swimming must have a minimum of a National Curriculum Training Programme Module 1 (equivalent of ASA Level 1)* c. All other personnel must have a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification or Rescue Test for Swimming Teachers on poolside and cannot contribute to Adult:Pupil ratio s d. All personnel must have completed and cleared a Criminal Records Bureau check 4. Supervision a. When more than twenty pupils are in the water at any one time, at least two adults with responsibility for supervision should be present on the poolside (Swimming Instructor & at least the teacher in charge) b. Lifeguard provision will be provided by the school c. Pupils must be registered or counted both before and after the lesson d. Changing rooms must be adequately supervised 5. General :Teacher Pupil Ratio a. The ratio of swimming instructor to pupils in a swimming lesson is 1 to 20. (This may vary depending on the ability of the group. See ratio table above) b. With pools of depth exceeding 1.2 metres, one person on the poolside must have a recognised National Pool Lifeguarding qualification or Rescue Test for Teachers. This person must have the ability to perform lifesaving and must keep up to date with current methods 6. Swimmers with disabilities a. Each situation must be considered independently as people with disabilities do not form a homogeneous group. Please see table above for specific ratio guidance) 7. Poolside Communication a. All adults concerned with the supervision of swimming should ensure that the following whistle drill is fully understood and practised: b. On one blast of the whistle all pupils must be still, quiet and face the teacher/instructor to await further instruction c. On three blasts of the whistle pupils should move quickly to the nearest side of the pool or on the side of the pool and remain still, quiet and face the teacher/instructor to wait for instructions d. A whistle should always be available at the swimming pool. 16 July 2007
8. Diving 9. Running a. All teaching staff should be notified that no head-first entry is allowed into any learner pool b. The vertical plane header dive from the side of the pool can only be taught where the water depth is not less than 2.7 metres but this must only be introduced under controlled teaching conditions and by a swimming instructor who has been trained in the delivery of basic diving techniques a. No running on the poolside at any time b. No pupil should enter the swimming pool (or get out of it) without permission from the swimming instructor or Teacher in charge c. Any jumping into the pool must be carefully supervised 10. Clothing & Equipment 11. Jewellery 12. Eating a. Pupils swimwear should be suitable for the session to be delivered b. Goggles and masks are not permitted to be worn, unless under exceptional circumstances. c. If for reasons of religion or culture pupils are permitted into the water in clothing other than usual swimwear, the pupil should be restricted to shallow water until they have shown that they are able to swim competently d. In the interests of safety and hygiene, all pupils with long hair must wear bathing caps e. Any pupil with a veruca must wear a protective waterproof sock a. All jewellery should be removed and handed to a teacher for safe keeping a. It is advisable that no pupil should swim within 1 hour of taking a meal b. No chewing of gum or sweets will be permitted during a swimming lesson 13. Telephones 14. First Aid a. A telephone should be available and easily accessible at all times when the pool is in use. The teacher in charge must be aware of the location and quickest route to the telephone 17 July 2007
a. The Swimming pool being used for the lessons will have first aid provision on site. It is the responsibility of the teacher in charge to determine the actual procedures for the pool and the adequate provision for the size of the group accessing the pool. b. First Aid must be administered by a qualified first aider either from the pool staff or a qualified teacher from the school c. All appropriate accident and incident forms must be completed d. It is advisable for the teacher in charge to have a portable first aid kit available at all times 15. Emergency Procedures a. It is essential that all personnel responsible for swimming activities are fully aware of the correct emergency procedures to be taken in the event of an incident. b. All swimming pools will have an EAP (Emergency Action Plan) and an NOP (Normal Operating Procedure) which all personnel should be made aware of before commencing the session. c. All personnel should be aware of the location of pool alarms 16. Swimming Aids a. Swimming aids such as floats and armbands, and any other aids as recommended by the A.S.A should be available for use in accordance with current teaching techniques. 18 July 2007
Acknowledgements Southampton Swimming Forum Amateur Swimming Association Hampshire & Isle of Wight County Sports Partnership Southampton Schools Partnership Hampshire County Council BAALPE (British Association of Advisors & Lectures in Physical Education) Reviewed Spring 2012 Next Review Date 2014 19 July 2007