Swimming is a vital life skill and an important part of our curriculum, supporting pupils’ safety, confidence, physical development and independence. While the National Curriculum sets expectations for swimming by the end of Key Stage 2, we recognise that our pupils require different levels of time, repetition and support to embed these essential skills.

To meet the diverse needs of our learners, swimming provision at our school is carefully aligned to our pathways.

Firm Foundations, Pathway 1 and Pathway 2

Pupils following Firm Foundations, Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 access swimming throughout their time at school. For these pupils, regular and ongoing swimming lessons are essential in:

• Developing and maintaining water confidence
• Embedding key water safety routines and awareness
• Supporting physical development, sensory regulation and communication
• Building independence and familiarity through consistency and repetition

Swimming for these pupils focusses on engagement, confidence, personal progress and wellbeing, with learning tailored to individual needs and abilities.

Pathway 3

Pupils following Pathway 3 access swimming lessons until the end of year 7. This extended provision beyond Key Stage 2 allows pupils additional time to:

• Consolidate statutory swimming outcomes
• Develop confidence, stamina and effective swimming techniques
• Practise water safety and safe self‑rescue skills at an appropriate pace

By continuing swimming into Key Stage 3, pupils are better supported to meet personal goals and leave school safer and more confident in and around water.

Across all pathways, swimming is delivered in a structured, inclusive and supportive environment, with progress measured against individual starting points. Our approach ensures that every pupil has meaningful access to swimming and the opportunity to develop essential life skills in a way that reflects their needs.

What Does This Mean for My Child?

Swimming lessons at our school are designed to reflect your child’s individual needs, pathway and stage of development. This means that every pupil is given the time, support and opportunities they need to feel safe, confident and successful in the water.

• Your child will access swimming for the right length of time for them.
  Pupils on Firm Foundations, Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 will swim throughout their time at school, ensuring skills are reinforced and confidence is maintained. Pupils on Pathway 3 will continue swimming until the end of Key Stage 3, allowing additional time to consolidate learning and build independence.

• Progress is measured from your child’s starting point.
  Swimming lessons focus on small steps and personal achievements. Success might appear like increased confidence in the water, following safety routines, improved movement or developing recognised swimming strokes.

• Lessons are structured, supportive and inclusive.
  Your child will be taught in a calm, predictable environment with clear routines and appropriate adult support, helping them feel safe and secure while learning.

• Swimming supports wider development.
  As well as learning to swim, your child will benefit from improved physical strength, coordination, confidence, communication and wellbeing. For many pupils, swimming also supports sensory regulation and emotional development.

Our aim is for every child to leave school safer in and around the water, with positive experiences of physical activity and the confidence to take part at a level that is right for them.

Swimming FAQ's

1. Where will my child swim?

At Market Field School, our swimming lessons take place at Colchester Leisure World. If your child is swimming, they will swim in a 10-week block at some point during the academic year. This will be communicated to you by the class teacher using class Dojo and a consent letter, which will need to be returned.

2. Who will teach my child and will they be supervised?

Leisure World Swimming Teachers teach our swimming lessons. Swimming lessons are always supervised by at least one lifeguard with appropriate qualifications. All Leisure World Swimming Teachers and Lifeguards hold an enhanced DBS certificate. 

3. What will my child need for swimming?

Your child will need a swimming costume or swimming trunks (bikinis are not appropriate for swimming lessons), a towel and some shower gel to have a quick shower afterwards. If your child isn't yet toilet trained, a swimming nappy will be required. Whilst not essential, a pair of indoor-only sliders/flip flops that are non slip, would be helpful in the changing rooms.