Guidance on inclusion for swimming teachers
As a swimming teacher delivering the Learn to Swim Programme, you have a very important role. To teach children and adults of all backgrounds and abilities how to be confident, competent and safe in the water.
We encourage you to observe every single one of your learners and adapt teaching practices to make sure your programme is fully inclusive.
Equality and diversity and swimming
Swimming should be accessible for every single person, regardless of ability or any of the nine protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act (2010). The nine protected characteristics are:
- Age.
- Disability.
- Gender reassignment.
- Marriage and civil partnership.
- Pregnancy and maternity.
- Race.
- Religion or belief.
- Sex, sexual orientation.
It is illegal to discriminate against anyone based on any of these nine protected characteristics.
Visit the gov.uk website to find out what each of these characteristics mean.
Here are some tools and resources to help you do this.
1. Swim England Awards for SEND learners: The below Awards are specifically designed to recognise and motivate learners who are making smaller steps or require additional support throughout the Learn to Swim Programme.
2. Inclusion in the Learn to Swim Programme: A free downloadable guide for swimming coordinators, teachers and assistants delivering mainstream Learn to Swim lessons which include learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
3. School Swimming and Water Safety Charter – We help schools deliver the national curriculum for swimming and water safety through our School Swimming and Water Safety Charter. This school-specific programme and Awards scheme is designed to help all pupils be included in swimming lessons, whatever their background or ability.
4. Swim England Toolkit includes helpful information on inclusion in the Learn to Swim Programme and adaptations for learners with additional needs.
5. Para-swimming Toolkit: The Para-swimming ID Toolkit is a downloadable resource from Aquatics GB that will help you as a swimming teacher or coach to identify para-swimmers at all levels and give them the chance to progress within the para-swimming pathway.