Shoeburyness Swimming Programme
Shoeburyness High School
Shoeburyness High School have utilised Opening Schools Facilities funding, with Active Essex support, to increase the number of young people in the local area, being able to swim.
The project focussed on supporting children who were unable to swim and lacked confidence in water safety. Small group lessons were held with a highly experienced and qualified locally trusted Swimming Teacher after school, to teach the students the vital life skill of swimming. To date, 30 students have benefitted from this programme.
Utilising Opening Schools Facilities funding, the sessions were held at the school swimming pool which is managed (out of school hours) by Fusion. Lessons were designed to support the young people in finding a love of water, and build their confidence in swimming, through fun and engaging activities. These consisted of utilising new equipment, through the funding, such as butterfly floats and noodles.
Students were invited to join the programme, with priority being for year 7 students, on free school meals/low-income families and those struggling with the school transition period.
The funding has enabled a much-needed targeted extra-curricular intervention to support the school population and wider community in obtaining a vital life skill. The swimming teacher commented on the changes she has seen across the sessions, with many young people increasing in confidence, building friendships and being happier in school life, making them feel a part of the school community.
Key learnings
It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, to focus on ways to improve in the future.
Creating opportunities
This target cohort have missed out on opportunities to learn to swim.
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic
The pandemic impacted primary swimming lessons, with many not taking place.
Cost remains a barrier
Sustainability is difficult, especially cost of swimming lessons for this cohort.
In a hope to support the children in developing their newly acquired skill, and to ensure confidence levels with swimming continues, the school hope that ‘swim passes’ will become a possibility for students to access free sessions each week, at local swimming pools. This will give the young people the freedom and flexibility to go when they want, and with their new friends, or family.
In a partnership with Fusion, Shoeburyness High School hope to also provide weekly free, fun swim sessions for students that have taken part in this programme, to ensure the opportunity to swim and develop is open to all.
