School Swimming Lessons
Why Does Your Child Go Swimming with Their School?
The Department for Education recognises the vital importance of learning to swim. Swimming is the only physical activity that can directly save a life.
All schools are required to provide swimming lessons during Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2. Swimming is also the only statutory sport within the Physical Education curriculum. By the end of primary school, pupils should be able to:
- Perform safe self-rescue in a range of water-based situations
- Swim competently, confidently, and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres
- Use a range of strokes effectively, including front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke
What Does My Child Need for School Swimming Lessons?
- Swim hat (compulsory) – available to purchase at reception
We understand some children have sensory needs and may be unable to wear a hat. - Appropriate swimwear
- No underwear or clothing to be worn in the pool
- Boys’ swimwear must not extend below the knee
- Dry Towel
- Bag for transporting wet swimwear to and from school
- No loose or free-flowing clothing in the pool
- Rash vests are permitted
Additional facilities:
- Towel lockers: 10p
- Hair dryers: 20p
School Swimming Lessons at Oaklands Community Pool
Oaklands Community Pool has been delivering School Swimming Lessons for over a decade with excellent results.
Our school scheme is specifically designed to help pupils achieve the Key Stage 2 swimming standard. It differs from our regular Learn to Swim programme and incorporates additional skills, stroke development, and a structured award pathway.
The programme consists of six progressive levels:
Level 1 (With Flotation Aids)
- Safe unaided entry into the water
- Float on front and back
- Swim 5 metres on front and back
- Blow bubbles
- Wash face
Level 2 (Without Flotation Aids)
- Put face in water
- Swim 5 metres on front and back
- Star float on front and back
- Basic push and glide
Level 3
- Swim 10 metres on front and back
- Push and glide on front and back (arms extended)
- Jump in at shallow end
- Submerge to pick up an object
- Swim through a hoop
Level 4 (Key Stage 2 Standard)
- Swim 25 metres competently, confidently, and proficiently
- Use a range of strokes effectively
- Three different jumps into deep water
- Tread water for 30 seconds
Level 5
- Swim 25 metres front and back
- Swim 10 metres breaststroke
- 10 dolphin kicks
- Sitting dive
- Perform a forward roll
- 5 metres head-first and feet-first sculling
Level 6
- Swim 50 metres front crawl and backstroke
- Swim 25 metres breaststroke
- Swim 10 metres butterfly
- Standing dive
- Straddle jump
- Surface dive to retrieve an object from the deep-end floor
After completing the course of lessons at Oaklands Community Pool, all school pupils receive an award and a discount on new bookings with our Learn to Swim Programme. The discount can be claimed by bringing the certificate with the child’s name on it to reception upon sign up. This is a one off discount on new bookings. https://www.oaklandspool.org.uk/swiming-lesson-contact-form/