Menu
13/06/2006
'Top up' swimming lessons announced
Primary school pupils who are unable to swim by the age of 11 will be given additional swimming lessons under a new scheme launched by the government.
Swimming lessons are already compulsory for primary school children in England, with 83% of pupils able to swim competently by the age of 11.
However, intensive swimming lessons will now be introduced for children who are unable to swim the 25 metres required by the end of Key Stage 2.
The £5.5 million 'top up' scheme, which will be run in partnership with the Amateur Swimming Association, will see pupils attend local pools every day for an intensive series of daily swimming lessons over two weeks during the school term.
The scheme will run over the next two years and is a key part of the government's school sport strategy which aims to raise participation in physical education and school sport.
Schools Minister Jim Knight said: "Every child should learn to swim. It is an essential skill and is a fun way to exercise. We want to give as many pupils as possible confidence in the water, and the potential to enjoy a whole range of other watersports and activities."
The scheme will build on the trials of intensive swimming lessons involving over 800 children in Bristol and County Durham last year which the government said showed a marked increase in the numbers of children being able to swim.
Overall, 57% of the pupils who had previously not reached the standard achieved this by the end of the scheme.
School sport partnerships, where groups of schools work together to increase sports participation, are working with the Amateur Swimming Association to organise the top up lessons.
David Sparkes, Chief Executive of the Amateur Swimming Association, said: "The Amateur Swimming Association is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn to swim. Trials have already proven that with extra lessons and smaller group numbers more children are able to meet the minimum 25 metre requirement, and with the support of our regional coordinators we will be able to help many more children reach that target."
(KMcA)
Swimming lessons are already compulsory for primary school children in England, with 83% of pupils able to swim competently by the age of 11.
However, intensive swimming lessons will now be introduced for children who are unable to swim the 25 metres required by the end of Key Stage 2.
The £5.5 million 'top up' scheme, which will be run in partnership with the Amateur Swimming Association, will see pupils attend local pools every day for an intensive series of daily swimming lessons over two weeks during the school term.
The scheme will run over the next two years and is a key part of the government's school sport strategy which aims to raise participation in physical education and school sport.
Schools Minister Jim Knight said: "Every child should learn to swim. It is an essential skill and is a fun way to exercise. We want to give as many pupils as possible confidence in the water, and the potential to enjoy a whole range of other watersports and activities."
The scheme will build on the trials of intensive swimming lessons involving over 800 children in Bristol and County Durham last year which the government said showed a marked increase in the numbers of children being able to swim.
Overall, 57% of the pupils who had previously not reached the standard achieved this by the end of the scheme.
School sport partnerships, where groups of schools work together to increase sports participation, are working with the Amateur Swimming Association to organise the top up lessons.
David Sparkes, Chief Executive of the Amateur Swimming Association, said: "The Amateur Swimming Association is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn to swim. Trials have already proven that with extra lessons and smaller group numbers more children are able to meet the minimum 25 metre requirement, and with the support of our regional coordinators we will be able to help many more children reach that target."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 May 2012
A Third Of Children Leave Primary School Unable To Swim
According to research by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), a third of children in England cannot swim by the time they leave primary school.
A Third Of Children Leave Primary School Unable To Swim
According to research by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), a third of children in England cannot swim by the time they leave primary school.
26 August 2010
Boy Dies In North Yorkshire Swimming Pool
An eight-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulties at a North Yorkshire swimming pool. The tragic incident happened at Hambleton Leisure Centre in Northallerton shortly before 4.30pm on Wednesday. The boy, who was understood to live locally, was taken to the Friarage Hospital, but was pronounced dead later.
Boy Dies In North Yorkshire Swimming Pool
An eight-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulties at a North Yorkshire swimming pool. The tragic incident happened at Hambleton Leisure Centre in Northallerton shortly before 4.30pm on Wednesday. The boy, who was understood to live locally, was taken to the Friarage Hospital, but was pronounced dead later.
01 August 2003
Survey finds thousands of pupils have no swimming skills
More than 100,000 children leave primary school each year without mastering basic swimming skills which could save their lives, a Times Education Supplement survey has revealed.
Survey finds thousands of pupils have no swimming skills
More than 100,000 children leave primary school each year without mastering basic swimming skills which could save their lives, a Times Education Supplement survey has revealed.
16 July 2015
RNLI And ASA Launch Swim Safe Campaign
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) have launched and joint open water safety initiative, Swim Safe. Figures have revealed that one in five children have gotten into difficulty while swimming in open waters.
RNLI And ASA Launch Swim Safe Campaign
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) have launched and joint open water safety initiative, Swim Safe. Figures have revealed that one in five children have gotten into difficulty while swimming in open waters.
15 August 2012
Man Caught Spying On Chinese Swim Team Could Be Spared Jail
A man caught in the changing rooms trying to spy on the Chinese Olympic swimming team could be spared jail. Declan Crosbie was caught peering over the top of cubicles after a woman reported seeing him entering changing rooms at a sports centre in Leeds.
Man Caught Spying On Chinese Swim Team Could Be Spared Jail
A man caught in the changing rooms trying to spy on the Chinese Olympic swimming team could be spared jail. Declan Crosbie was caught peering over the top of cubicles after a woman reported seeing him entering changing rooms at a sports centre in Leeds.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
