Why Swimming Matters

At Beaupre, we are proud to offer swimming instruction to all our pupils from Reception class upwards. Swimming is not only a statutory part of the National Curriculum, but it is also a life skill that builds confidence, resilience and physical wellbeing. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn this essential skill, and we are committed to supporting all our pupils, including those who may feel nervous about water, through a carefully planned progression of lessons.

 

What Your Child Will Learn

By the end of Year 6, all pupils should be able to:

• Swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres
• Use a range of strokes effectively (front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke)
• Perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations, which is particularly important for the area we live in.

 

Attendance and Medical Absences

Swimming is a compulsory part of the National Curriculum, and pupils are expected to attend all lessons. However, we understand that children may occasionally need to be absent due to illness.

Short-term absence (up to 1-2 sessions): Please provide medical evidence from a doctor or hospital.

Extended absence (more than 2–3 sessions): A letter from your child's doctor is required.

We are unable to grant exemptions from swimming lessons for other reasons, but we are always happy to discuss any concerns you may have.

 

What to Bring

To ensure your child is safe and comfortable, please provide:

Important Safety Rules

Jewellery: No jewellery of any kind should be worn during swimming lessons, including earrings. If your child has pierced ears, please ensure they can be removed before each lesson.

These policies are in place to keep all our pupils safe and are guided by the Association for Physical Education (AfPE) Safe Practice guidelines.

 

The Cost of Swimming

As a school, we fund all swimming lessons for our pupils. However, we do ask for a voluntary contribution towards travel costs to the swimming pool.

Your contribution, however small, makes a real difference and helps us to continue this valuable programme for all our children.

 

Further details about swimming sessions, including dates, times and payment arrangements, will be sent to you separately, prior to the start of your child’s lessons. If you have any questions or concerns about swimming, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Thank you for your continued support