Swimmingfirst

Swimmingfirst, has worked closely with the Somerset Activity and Sport Partnership to design, develop and deliver a set of innovative resources, multi-agency models and training programmes to support existing programmes which work with pre-school children in the water.

The central theme is that activities in the water and the development of early swimming confidence and skills can be used to maximise learning and enjoyment and meet a wide range of client needs - according to the model adopted

‘Sure Start in the Water’ has been developed to support any EARLY YEARS programmes which aim to improve the health and well-being of families and children before and from birth, to ensure children get the best chance to develop and flourish when they start school.

There are now many local community programmes which work with parents and parents-to-be to improve childrens’ life chances through better access to:

	Family support
	Advice on nurturing
	Health services
	Early learning

WHERE PARENTS AND CHILDREN DISCOVER TOGETHER ……..EXPERIENCES THAT LAST A LIFETIME….
‘Swimming’ is unique..Sure Start in the Water utilises ‘planned’ aquatic learning environments..to stimulate play and communication skills where Parents and children discover together that

	‘swimming’ promotes self-confidence
	improves sensory and cognitive skills
	improves balance, co-ordination skills and breath control and develops confidence in physical movement skills.

The Swimmingfirst Programme is in two ‘Modules’:

Module One: ‘Sure Start in the Water’ An initial workshop to devise a model to suit local needs, plan a programme involving wider partners to achieve Key Targets and Outcomes and consider bids and sources for additional funding.

Module Two: ‘ Supporting Delivery’: Follow up workshops with original resources for use with key partners and relevant training if required.

Contact Colin Christmas for further details: Email: info@swimmingfirst.co.uk
Original Resources and Modules have been designed and developed by Colin Christmas and Jane Hushon from swimmingfirst