Children and Young People

Shenfield High School OSF Project

Providing inclusive swimming opportunities in the community

Shenfield High School in Brentwood has significantly enhanced its community provisions thanks to Opening School Facilities (OSF) funding. This initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by students and community members, providing tailored swimming activities and inclusive environments. The OSF funding has allowed Shenfield High School in Brentwood to reopen its swimming pool and expand its community-based sessions to seven days a week.

The OSF funding has enabled Shenfield High School to replace the air ventilation and circulation units, as well as their access ladders. They’ve also been able to install a new circulation pump and dosing system for the pool plant room, new lane ropes and pool toys and learning aids to enhance their sessions.

Who's it for:

Students and residents with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and additional needs

Prime Objective:

to increase community provision and inclusivity through tailored activities

Second Objective:

to bring people together to enjoy swimming and learn new skills

The funding hasn’t just provided new equipment though as money has also been spent on coaches with qualifications to specialise in helping those with special educational needs (SEN). This has created opportunities for more inclusive sessions that everyone in the community can take advantage and benefit from.

The swimming pool is now open 7 days a week, hosting a range of different types of lessons, after-school clubs, county and nationwide competitions as well as regular training.

With this funding, it has enabled us to have a fully operational swimming pool, that is safe for the pupils. The swimming pool is now open 7 days a week, for external swimming clubs, students, and other local schools. The equipment and replacement parts have allowed us to maintain a good ambient temperature in and around the pool and poolside, as well as ensuring quality.

Mr S. Adams, Site Manager and Lettings Coordinator at Shenfield School

Shenfield High School aims to build on this success by expanding access to primary schools and helping more children achieve their 25-metre swimming goals. The school's dedication to inclusive and diverse activities has had a transformative impact on its students and the wider community, developing and assuring supportive and engaging environments for all to thrive.

The OSF programme has had a huge impact at Shenfield High School and the swimming provision they offer to the South-West of Essex. From the facility being closed in 2023, it is remarkable Shenfield High School’s swimming pool is accessible 7 days a week in providing safe, inclusive, and crucial swimming opportunities for children and young people. Through OSF funding, Shenfield High School has developed strong relationships with local clubs, parents, and schools in helping provide crucial swimming provision to the South-West Essex area.

Tom Weller, Active Essex Senior Project Officer for Children and Young People

Next Case Study:

Brentwood EELS Rugby Club