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Policies

Policies

Guidelines

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  • Please see reference to the Safety in Swimming Pool guidelines 2015, which must be adhered to at all times.
  • Please refer to booking policy terms and conditions on your booking and confirmation forms.
  • Swimming Instructors are qualified to Level 2 and have a current Pool Lifeguard qualification.

Transport policy

  • All transport is fit for purpose and has a maximum age requirement to be used for hire
  • All drivers are DBS Checked
  • Vehicles are inspected on a regular basis
  • All journeys are monitored

SEN Policy (Main stream schools only)

If the pupil is registered under SEN policies and has 1 to 1 support during School times then the SENCO must accompany the pupil to swimming lessons, and support in the water if deemed necessary upon assessment.

Cancellation Policy

  • All Cancellations made should be before the term commences, any cancellations made within the term will still be charged.
  • An administration fee will be charged for alterations to booking once the contract is signed due to the nature of external contract agreements on your behalf.
  • Any transport failures or Instructor or pool operating issues will not be charged.
  • Cancellations are taken in writing by completing the form which will be sent in due course.

Pupil:Teacher/Instructor Ratio Policy

It is essential that you consider pupil to instructor ratio (PIR).
Instructors are legally only able to teach to a set ratio, which is dependent upon pupils’ swimming ability.
Exceeding these ratios can result in pupils having to take turns in the water and therefore reducing the amount of teaching time they receive.
Allocating more children to a single session does not provide value for money as progress is hindered.

The ratios also apply to school staff teaching at the pool.

  • Non-swimmers & beginners/Those new to swimming – PIR 12:1
  • Improving swimmers / unable to swim 10 metres / Swimmers of a similar ability PIR 20:1
  • Competent swimmers/able to swim at least 10 metres unaided. PIR 20:1
  • Those who can swim at least 25 metres unaided. PIR 20:1
  • Pupils in KS1, irrespective of their swimming ability. PIR 12:1
  • Special Schools’ Children with Disabilities PIR 8:1

Please note: Over 52 pupils will require a 3rd instructor. This is due to lifeguard ratios being 1:26 regardless of how many teaching groups there are at any one time in the pool.

Teaching in the water and the handling of children

“In the situation where the teacher has responsibility for groups comprising more than two pupils the recommended teaching position is from the side of the pool as this provides the best position to oversee the whole group in terms of safety and to provide appropriate feedback on the performance of each person in the group. This does not preclude a teacher being in the water to assist pupils either on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis, or as an assistant to the class teacher. For groups of more than two pupils a fully qualified teacher, on the poolside, supported by an assistant in the water, may be ideal.

It is recognised, however, that in some circumstances the teacher will have assessed the risk and may feel it is more appropriate to teach from within the water. This practice should only be considered after carrying out a risk assessment giving careful consideration to all the potential factors.

Factors to take into account include pool depth, age, size and ability of pupils and the use of floatation aids. At all times the teacher must be able to clearly see all pupils and be close enough to provide physical support should this be required. In this way it may be practicable to supervise between two to six pupils depending on the previously mentioned safety factors. Ratios greater than this should not be considered unless additional helpers are available in the water.

If the qualified teacher is teaching in the water an additional observer should be on the poolside to enhance the swimming teacher’s span of supervision that teaching in the water inevitably diminishes.”

  • Ensure there is a system included within the Pool Safe Operating Procedure whereby the parent or guardian of the pupil gives permission for the teacher to handle the children for the purposes of supporting them in the water or manipulating limbs to convey correct stroke techniques.
  • The swimming teacher should always wear a distinctive top so that they are easily identified in the water.
  • Ensure that any handling of pupils is done within clear sight of parents and others in spectator areas.
  • Always explain to the pupil that you are now going to hold him/her and why.
  • Swimming teachers must never support pupils in such a way that their hands cannot be seen by the spectators (i.e. beneath the water).
  • Never support a pupil by handling the swimmer’s torso.
  • Only support swimmers by holding their hands, head or feet
  • Additionally teachers and coaches should NEVER teach or coach a swimmer alone without other adults being present.

Contact The School Swimming Service

Contact The School Swimming Service @ SOLAR
Phone:0115 947 6202