9th September 2015

Dear Mums, Dads and Carers,

SCHOOLS SWIMMING LESSONS YEAR 4

Your child will be attending school swimming lessons commencing on Fridays starting

18th September. The lessons will run throughout the autumn term at Cally Pool. We will be using Islington Transport buses to the pool each week, returning before the end of the school day.

Provided below is some guidance to ensure your child’s safety and assist your child’s progress.

Swimwear

Please make sure your child has close fitting swimwear. Shorts, including swim shorts are unsuitable, because:

·  They may drag and limit the pupil’s progress or inflate and create unnatural buoyancy, or both at differing degrees and times, which is a safety issue for beginners and can lead to unnecessary fatigue for advanced swimmers.

·  They could lead to a modesty or decency issue.

Shorts, including swim shorts, are invariably away from the leg. Swim shorts generally only have a net brief inside (e.g. containing holes).

Therefore, swimming costumes or trunks should be worn. Full body swimwear is allowed but it must be close fitting.

Goggles

In the interest of water confidence and safety, pupils are encouraged to open their eyes during and after submersion in water. Goggles are only permitted when chemicals in the water adversely affect pupil’s eyes or when pupils have completed a minimum distance of 25m (assessed by the instructor). In both instances, parents are required to complete a goggles consent form, available from the Office or Class Teacher.

Please note:

·  If consent is given, goggles should fit properly and must be of an approved nature (British Safety standard 58831996). They must not be made of glass or breakable plastic.

·  That some swimming awards are to be completed without the aid of goggles unless conditions of the makes this necessary/advisable

·  If a swimmer has consent to wear goggles due to chemicals in the water adversely affecting eyes, and arrives for a lesson without goggles, they may not be permitted to swim.

·  Swimming teachers cannot be responsible for the adjustments, maintenance and repair of swimming goggles.

You are requested to show your child how to remove goggles, by slipping them off the head, and not by stretching the retaining band.

Hair

Where possible, your child should wear a swimming cap. If this is not possible, long hair should be tied back. This will aid your child’s progress.

Jewellery

Stud earrings are permitted, but all other items of jewellery i.e. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, watches etc. should not be worn as they can cause injury to the wearer or others. Where jewellery cannot be removed, including any religious and or ceremonial jewellery, a disclaimer must be received from either parent or guardian. Please contact the school office if you require the form.

Medical

Please note:

·  Pupils are not permitted to swim if they have open sores, wounds or infectious

diseases. Pupils with verrucas or athletes feet, must wear a verruca sock.

·  Written permission with a declaration of fitness to swim must be received from

parents or guardians of pupils who have epilepsy, diabetes or any form of ear

ailment.

·  If your son/daughter has asthma, their self-administered medication should be labelled clearly with their name, taken to the pool, kept poolside, and should be administered as required. If your son/daughters asthma pump is not available poolside they will not be permitted to swim. Swimming is very good if your child suffers from asthma as it opens up the airways.

·  If your child is unable to take part in any swimming lesson, please put in writing to the class teacher the reason why. If your child is unable to swim on a long term basis, you will need to provide a letter from your GP stating this.

Swimming is part of the National Curriculum and all children are expected to attend.

Communication

Casual viewing of the schools swimming programme is not permitted. Direct any communication about your child’s swimming lessons to the school and not the swimming teachers or pool management.

If you would like to discuss any cultural issues, which would affect their children taking part in swimming activities, please contact Juliet Benis to discuss them. In consultation with Aquaterra Leisure’s Education Programme Management Team, we would aim to come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement.

Please fill in the permission slip and return to your child’s Class Teacher as soon as possible. If we do not receive the permission form back, your child will not be able to attend. If you would like to discuss any issues concerning any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

John McGahern

Class Teacher


SWIMMING PERMISSION SLIP

I give permission for my child ……………………………………… to attend Swimming Lessons

Name of Child …………………………………………………

Year Group ……………….

Signature of Parent …………………………………………………