Schools Swimming Service

The Schools Swimming Service’ provides young people with:

• the opportunity to get a lifestyle skill that they may use and develop throughout their lives;
• a positive and enjoyable perception of swimming;
• a responsible attitude towards water safety; and 
• an opportunity to excel in swimming.

The city provides a quality cost effective and efficient swimming service that offers all school pupils the opportunity to learn how to swim and to achieve the Key Stage 2 target for swimming.

Currently, all primary schools are taking part to varying degrees in the Schools Swimming Service’ together with 14 of the 16 high schools, seven nursery schools and all five special schools at the 14 facilities in the city.

There are 25 swimming teachers employed to provide lessons with school teachers helping the qualified teacher on the poolside. All are qualified to ASA Teacher Certificate Level 2 and hold a current pool lifeguard qualification.

There is a structured, co-ordinated awards scheme that has reference to the National Curriculum Key Stage 1-4 for swimming.  This scheme ensures the development and maintenance of effective teaching, coaching and learning of basic swimming skills.  At all the swimming pools the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming is implemented. 

Please telephone the Aquatics Development Officer on 01782 236929  or email  hilary.asplin@stoke.gov.uk  for more information.