New report calls for schools to improve swimming and water safety standards
Primary schools need to be doing more to ensure that students learn how to swim, according to a new report.
Developed by the Curriculum Swimming and Water Safety Review Group on behalf of the Swim Group, the report highlighted the challenges that primary schools face in delivering high-quality swimming and water safety lessons, as well as offering recommendations on how these challenges can be addressed.
It was found that 31 per cent of Year 6 pupils finish school for the summer without being able to swim, while also lacking basic water safety skills - despite both being listed as National Curriculum requirements. Moreover, 63 per cent of parents with Year 6 children say they do not believe their child could save themselves in water.
As such, a panel of experts from across the education, sport and leisure sectors have called for a number of improvements to how swimming is taught in schools, including the provision of specific training for teachers and other staff, in addition to new resources for all those involved in delivering school swimming lessons, including pools.
The report also called for new a national top-up swimming programme for schools with the lowest swimming attainment levels, with achievement badges to be introduced to mark the success of pupils achieving statutory standards.
Swim England chair and Olympic medallist Steve Parry said: "Water safety is the only part of the national curriculum that will save children's lives - it can't be treated as an optional extra.
"We would welcome the opportunity to work closely with Ofsted in setting quality standards for curriculum swimming. That is the 'silver bullet' for ensuring schools deliver swimming."
Tracey Crouch, the government minister for sport and civil society, welcomed the report, pledging that the government and Sport England will continue to work with the Swim Group to improve performance on this issue.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northampton
Description
One-to-One Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Northampton and surrounding areas Job Type: Temporary, Flexible, with potential for permanent roles Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during
Reference
A67/Northampton
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Wellingborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Wellingborough and nearby areas Contract Type: Temporary, Flexible, with opportunities for permanent work Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, during
Reference
A66/Wellingborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Kettering
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Kettering and surrounding areas Contract: Temporary, Flexible, with potential for permanent positions Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during schoo
Reference
A65/Kettering
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Corby
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Corby and surrounding areas Job Type: Temporary, Flexible, with potential for permanent opportunities Hours: Monday to Friday, during school hours
Reference
A64/Corby
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Cambridge
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Cambridge
Description
1:1 Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Cambridge and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary, with opportunities for permanent roles Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during schoo
Reference
A63/Cambridge
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£90.40 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Primary
Location
Northampton
Description
Join Us as a Behaviour Support Assistant – Immediate Starts Next Term! Looking to begin a new role this term?Position: Behaviour Support Assistant Location: Northampton and surrounding areasPay: Compe
Reference
BSA - North
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties PrimaryAuthor
Northants & Counties PrimarySalary
£90.40 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Wellingborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Primary
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Join Us as a Behaviour Support Assistant – Immediate Starts Next Term! Looking to begin a new role this term?Position: Behaviour Support Assistant Location: Wellingborough and surrounding areasPay: Co
Reference
BSA - WELL
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties PrimaryAuthor
Northants & Counties PrimarySalary
£90.40 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Corby
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Primary
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Join Us as a Behaviour Support Assistant – Immediate Starts Next Term! Looking to begin a new role this term?Position: Behaviour Support Assistant Location: Corby and surrounding areasPay: Competitive
Reference
BSA - corb
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties PrimaryAuthor
Northants & Counties PrimarySalary
£120 - 150 per day
Location free text
Paignton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Teacher
Location
Devon
Description
Primary School Teacher – TorbayLocation: Torbay Role: Primary Teacher Contract: Flexible Supply, Short-Term & Long-Term Opportunities Start Date: ASAP / FlexibleTeaching Personnel are looking for en
Reference
Torbay Teacher 2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Plymouth BranchAuthor
Plymouth BranchSalary
£14.25 - 16.00 per hour
Location free text
Chorley
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Early Years Teaching Assistant - Chorley Location: Chorley Job Title: Early Years Teaching Assistant Contract Length: 2026/2027 Academic Year Pay Rate: £14.25 - £16.00 per hour Setting: Nursery Set
Reference
CHOEYFS191026
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire Central PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire Central PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job