Swim England, the National Governing Body for swimming, is supporting the Youth Sport Trust in transforming school swimming experiences for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is estimated that 27% of children leave primary school unable to swim 25m. For children and young people with SEND this number is even higher, as many face barriers in accessing pool facilities as well as finding practitioners who are confident in delivering inclusive school swimming lessons.  

It is essential all children and young people have the opportunity to learn this lifesaving skill, as well as experience the positive health benefits that swimming can have. Through the Inclusion 2028 grant, Swim England are delivering a suite of training workshops and resources through the Youth Sport Trust’s Lead Inclusion School network, aiming to improve the access and confidence of practitioners delivering  school swimming and water safety programmes. 

This offering seeks to improve the levels of young people reaching National Curriculum standard for swimming by creating inclusive learning environments where every child, regardless of ability, can participate. 

As part of its commitment, Swim England is developing a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to empower schools and teachers across the country. These include: 

In addition, Swim England is commissioning new research into neonatal and primitive reflexes, exploring how understanding and supporting retained reflexes can aid swimming development in pupils with SEND. Findings will inform future strategies and resources for both specialist and mainstream schools. 

Commenting on the innovation work and their involvement in Inclusion 2028, Lorna Goldie, National Aquatics Competency Manager – School Swimming, Swim England said “Swim England are delighted to be a consortium partner for Inclusion 2028. We are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their individual needs, has the chance to feel safe, confident and supported in the water. Through Inclusion 2028, we’re equipping school staff and swimming teachers with practical tools and inclusive approaches so they can create meaningful swimming experiences for all pupils. By working closely with the Youth Sport Trust and our partners across the disability sport sector, we’re helping schools remove barriers and celebrate what every young person can achieve in the pool.” 

This wide-ranging initiative reflects Swim England’s deep commitment to inclusion, ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, have opportunities to develop essential swimming skills and water safety awareness. The Youth Sport Trust Lead Inclusion School network will promote these resources and support in facilitating training to ensure practitioners feel confident and competent in their school swimming roles.  

Reflecting on the partnership, Rebecca Tyers, Programme Officer for Inclusion at the Youth Sport Trust said “It is essential all children and young people have the opportunity to acquire this life saving skill. By bringing together the experience and reach of the Youth Sport Trust Lead Inclusion Schools alongside the expertise and knowledge of Swim England, this collaboration ensures more young people with SEND will get the opportunity to experience swimming lessons that are safe, meaningful and enjoyable.” 

To view school swimming and water safety resources, including a free virtual training session on integrating pupils with SEND into school swimming lessons, visit: https://www.youthsporttrust.org/school-support/free-resources/school-swimming-water-safety 

* If you are interested in hosting or attending one of these training sessions, please contact [email protected]