****This is a draft policy, to be ratified by the Board of Management ****

Swimming Policy

The school has regard to both the physical and mental development of each of its pupils. Believing that a healthy body promotes a healthy mind, the school arranges for swimming pool lessons for each of its students during their time in Sacred Heart SNS.

 Swimming is a compulsory facet of the Primary School Curriculum. Attendance at this course fulfils the Aquatics Module of the PE Curriculum as laid down by the Department of Education.

Aims/Purposes

• To enable pupils to acquire basic swimming skills while they are at our school.
• To comply with the requirements of the National Primary Curriculum in Aquatics.

Procedures Guidelines

• Each pupil will attend six to eight sessions in a swimming pool annually in 3^rd and 4^th Class
• Parents will not attend swimming lessons with the school, in accordance with child safeguarding procedures and garda vetting
• The swimming pool at Tallaght Leisure Centre will be contacted in June of each year by the PE coordinator, and dates will be booked for the following academic year.
• Traditionally the cost of swimming lessons is paid for by school funds and there is no additional cost to parents/guardians.
• The PE coordinator will also apply to South Dublin County Council each year for a swimming grant to help pay towards the cost of swimming.
• All children going swimming should wear their tracksuit. Swimming togs may be worn under tracksuits coming to school. Each child must have a suitable bag to carry his/her swimming gear such as a back pack or similar type of bag with a secure zip or other fastening.
• All items brought to the pool must be clearly labelled with the child’s name. This includes the bag, tracksuit, socks, underwear and shoes.
• Each child must have their own togs, towel, hair brush (if needed) and swim cap, all of which must also be marked.
• While in the pool, pupils must obey the instructor’s orders at all times and comply with the School Code of Conduct.
• Teachers of all classes will remain on the viewing deck during the lesson in order to supervise the overall group and pupils who may need to use the toilets during the lesson.
• A pupil who needs to opt out of a swimming class for a medical or other reason should provide a note, written and signed by parent/guardian
• A meeting with the principal will be required if there is a medical condition that precludes the child from swimming on a long term basis
• in the event of swimming gear being forgotten it is customary for teachers to send the pupil to the office to phone home. Missing togs/towels/hats should be kept with the PE coordinator if needed

Instructional Arrangements

• A swimming programme for all pupils in 3^rd and 4^th Classes is organized in September
• Parents are notified of the swimming dates as soon as they are available
• Parents will be notified in writing of all swimming details, see sample attached.
• Children will walk to swimming lessons weekly, accompanied by teachers, sna’s and SET staff. Transport will be arranged, weather dependent.
• Instruction in the pool will be provided by Tallaght Leisure Centre swim coaches.

Travel and Supervision Arrangements

Pupils will be accompanied by, and supervised by, the class teacher on the way to and from the pool and the school. Pupils will walk to the pool and the class teacher, SNA and SET team members will provide supervision before and after the swimming lesson. Only with written permission signed by the parents/guardians will pupils be permitted to miss their swimming lesson. Pupils who are not attending swimming lessons should be supervised at another grade level.

Health and Safety

Best practice in relation to the supervision, instruction and child protection procedures as outlined by the Irish Sports Council, Swim Ireland and the National Safety Council will be adhered to at all times.

Pupils are required to behave at all times in a manner that ensures the safety of all involved in school swimming.

Where a parent/guardian has a health concern regarding their child’s participation in swimming, professional advice should be sought. If possible a medical certificate should be provided explaining why the child may not go for swimming lessons.

In the best interest of the child, it is the duty of parents/guardians to inform the class teacher and/ or Principal with regard to any health condition that may affect the child in the pool. This information will be held in confidence and provided on a need to know basis to the swimming instructors.

Deodorant or other sprays must not be brought to the pool as the dressing rooms are confined spaces. The Health and Safety Guidelines outlined by the pool authorities will be strictly adhered to.

Monitoring / Evaluation / Review:

Policy is revised annually or at other times if deemed necessary.

This policy was reviewed and ratified by the Board of Management on

 ________________.

Signed on behalf of the Board: ________________________________

                                   Date:_________________________________

SAMPLE LETTER – Appendix 1

1^st of September 2025

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Swimming classes for all of our X class children will begin on XXXX in Tallaght Leisure Centre, Fortunestown Road, Tallaght.

Each child will need -

                Swimming togs/Swim suit, swimming hat and a towel (in a bag)

The children will walk to and from the lessons.  No money, no shampoo/shower gels or aerosols are allowed.  Bring an extra lunch as children will be hungry afterwards.

Due to the excellent funds raised in June and our contribution from school funds, there will be no charge for swimming for X Class this year.

There will be X qualified swimming instructors working with the children.  This is an excellent opportunity for your child to learn to swim or if they can already, to improve their swimming technique.

Please find the Swimming Policy for the school on our website www.sacredheartsns.net in the Policy section.

Yours sincerely,

_________________

Ms X/Ms  X

X Class teachers

SAMPLE NOTES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS – Appendix 2

General Information for Swimming –

1. All children must wear swimming togs – swimsuits or swimshorts.

2. All children will need a swimming hat. They may bring goggles if they wish.

3. All children will need a large towel.

4. Children must bring their togs, towel, hat etc in a bag. We would suggest a backpack to wear on their back as we will be walking to and from the pool.

5. Children should wear their tracksuit on swimming days, this will be easier for changing before and afterwards. It might be a good idea to also pack fresh underwear / socks for changing into for the walk home.

6. Please practise the following with your child, if necessary, over the next week or two –

· Getting into and out of swimwear

· Drying off body and hair

· Getting dressed independently

7. Please speak to your child about the importance of listening to, and following the instructions of, the swimming instructors.

8. Teachers and Staff will be in the changing areas to supervise and assist as necessary. Teachers will be poolside during lessons at all times. Three qualified swimming instructors will lead the lessons.

9. Please speak positively to your child about swimming, this will be a great experience for them. They will learn new skills and have fun with their friends.