Swimming is a compulsory element of the school curriculum at Key Stage 2 unless pupils have already completed the full requirements of this level at Key Stage 1.

All children in Yr4, Yr5 & Yr6 take part for up to 7 week of the school year.  

SWIMMING INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Please take note of the guidelines below provided by Stockport MBC, which are for your child's benefit.

• Swimming is a compulsory element of the programme at Key Stage 2 unless pupils have already completed the full requirements of this level at Key Stage 1.
• In swimming activities and water safety pupils should be taught to:
• Pace themselves in floating and swimming challenges related to speed, distance and personal survival
• Swim unaided for a sustained period of time over a distance of 25 metres
• Use recognised arm and leg actions, lying on their front and back
• Use a range of recognised strokes and personal survival techniques
• The school must be informed of any medical conditions that might affect your child’s performance in lessons.  If your child has a serious medical condition, such as epilepsy or a heart condition, medical clearance and written permission from you are both essential for your child to take part in the normal swimming programme.  If your child has asthma it is important that he/she bring the prescribed inhaler with them onto the pool side.  If your child has a severe visual problem and needs to wear glasses/prescription goggles you should attach elastic to them to keep them in place.
• Your child will need to bring a towel and swimwear needs to be close fitting in order not to hinder movement or produce resistance.  Low cut costumes with straps that fall from the shoulder, bikinis and baggy shorts are ideal for the beach or holiday wear but seriously restrict a swimmer and are therefore not appropriate for swimming lessons.  If for religious reasons your child is not allowed to wear the usual swimwear please contact the school.
• Girls or boys whose hair is long enough to impair vision must wear a swim cap.  Swim caps can be purchased from the baths.
• The wearing of ANY jewellery is strictly forbidden.  The only exception to this rule is a medication identity bracelet where a sweatband should be worn to cover the bracelet.
• Goggles are not advised for school swimming lessons.  It is important that children are comfortable in AND below the water (without the use of goggles).  However there may be medical reasons why they need to be worn.  It is important that the class teacher be informed of such medical reasons.  Children will not be allowed to wear goggles for jumping, diving, game sessions and water safety/skill assessments, unless their use has been previously agreed by the swimming teacher due to an inhibiting medical condition.  Where the use of goggles is agreed, it may be necessary to modify the pupil’s participation so that neither they, nor other pupils, are placed at undue risk.
• Your child will be assessed when they start their school swimming lessons.  This is to clearly identify his/her level of swimming in terms of the various skills and techniques.  How far he/she can swim is not the criteria used in this assessment.  Your child will then be placed in a group suited to his/her ability.
• If there is a small pool/shallow water it is not just used for non-swimmers and beginners but is also used to teach appropriate skills therefore do not be worried if your child is having lessons in the small pool/shallow water.  Similarly your child may be given the opportunity to experience deep water.  The swimming teacher will make the best use of water space, ability and staff numbers.

If you have any worries or concerns with regard to swimming contact the school.