Swimmingfirst

‘Swimming Lessons” – Learn to Swim Programmes

Before we handed our money over this is what we would want to know …

Organisation
What Qualifications does the teacher have for teaching?
( e.g. ASA Level Two Teachers are qualified and trained to teach swimmers in groups larger than 6 ! ASA Level One teachers should be working with at least one Level 2 and working towards that level themselves.

What are the arrangements for life guarding?
(ASA/RLSS Rescue Test is the minimum a teacher should have for teaching in a lessons programme.
What other Child- Safe measures are in place ?
Nowadays everyone working with children must have evidence of C.R.B. (Criminal Records Bureau) checks and clearances and/or be registered with the ASA for Child Protection purposes. …but in addition -does the organisation have a child welfare and protection policy and have they carried out the relevant risk assessment? You can ask to see both and they should be available for you in a format you can easily understand.

Is there someone who “manages” the lesson programme or do teachers work on an individual basis ?
You are looking for how much planning and quality assurance checking goes into the scheme.

THE LESSONS

Do the teachers produce schemes of work and lesson plans? Are you entitled to review them?
No harm whatsoever in asking nicely!

Do the teachers provide you with formal feedback on your child’s progress?
Even though you might not know a lot about swimming – you probably have a good idea about good value

Does the lesson programme provide opportunities for assessment and Awards, if so how often?
ASA and STA have complete programmes. Many Centres have devised their own, now do they link with the National Schemes?

What happens if you miss a lesson?
Worth asking!

Next month: For success and a quality introduction to Swimming it is important that you select an experienced and effective teacher …you know nothing about swimming…how can you decide …?