Wow what a fabulous few weeks we’ve had with Newland St Johns Primary School!
As a swim school teaching both private and educational lessons to mainstream and Special Educational Needs, we strive to ensure that every child has the opportunity to enjoy the water, having fun whilst staying safe.
We have the most beautiful private pool which lends itself to working with children with special education needs as there are no outside influences or distractions whilst being a warm and non-intimidating environment. We always have 2 teachers in the pool to 6 children which allows for ease of communication and understanding of instructions whilst being able to provide demonstrations and support the swimmers where necessary.
It was this that attracted our newest school, Newland St Johns, to approach us in order to provide swimming lessons for a small group of children with SEN. We jumped at the opportunity and can only say what a privilege it was to have these children experience the water with us. Two of the 7 children had never swam before and one child has difficulties in engaging in group activities. What a success! Within 2 weeks the 2 non swimmers were now swimming unaided and the young man who found it difficult to engage was following instructions in the pool, taking turns and having a ball .. so much so that his mum asked if she could come and observe! Not only have we had a positive impact on the swimming, but we have also had the privilege of providing the children with a social experience which in turn has allowed for teamwork and their utter enjoyment. We are very proud.
We CELEBRATE these achievements and are stunned by the feedback from the school. I hope you will take the time to read; its been an absolute pleasure. I must also thank Kevin Green photography who had heard about our project and kindly “gifted” his time to take photos and put a gallery together for me to showcase the success of this project – “Thank You Kevin” and “Thank You to my wonderfully talented Swim Teachers” ?
LYNN FRANKTON, INCLUSION MANAGER, NEWLAND ST JOHNS
"We have completed one session out of four swimming session and it was honestly one of the best things I have done with this group of children. All the children have significant additional needs and at least two of the children had never been swimming before. The children, due to their additional needs, have no or little awareness to danger and I thought this could end up going one of two ways! However Molly and Jenny soon put the children at ease and immediately developed a rapport with the children despite any communication barriers. The children absolutely loved it and it was amazing to see them all taking turns, listening, encouraging each other and developing their swimming. We got so much more out of it rather than it 'just being a swimming' lesson, even afterwards the children helped each other to find their clothes, commented on how well each other had and so much more.
The biggest success of the day was a boy who initially wouldn’t even walk into the building but eventually after encouragement and now/ next got changed and went into the pool. He is very much in his own little bubble and is generally unaware of other children around him but he sat with the other children and took turns with the instructors. We all agreed that it was absolutely amazing to be part of such a positive activity."
After 3 Weeks
"We have now had 3x1 hour lessons of swimming and I cannot believe the progress all the children have made. Being in a small pool with only the 7 children and instructors has meant that none of the children have been distracted by others around them and can fully focus on what they are being told to do. Some of the children are now swimming without any swimming aids but the children have gained so much more from it. The children are actively encouraging each other, helping each other out and generally pulling together as a group. I am delighted with the sessions and I know that I and the other members of staff would like to thank Molly, Jenny and Craig for such a positive experience.
I just wish we could afford to do it again!"
