St. Andrews International School Samakee

St Andrews – Samakee Swim Policy

Policy and Practice Statement

Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat

We are committed to making certain that our children’s first experiences of swimming at school will be active, enjoyable and fun. Swimming is a life skill and must be part of any inclusive Physical education programme. Our swimming programme has the following aims:

• To encourage all our children to develop confidence in the water by providing a variety of activities in a safe environment — beginners will learn to become relaxed and mobile through play activities using a range of toys and games.
• To develop the children’s awareness and understanding of the need for water safety by teaching the appropriate knowledge and skills.
• To encourage the development of swimming strokes and other water skills that forms the basis of becoming an efficient and confident swimmer.
• To encourage the development of life-saving skills.

Why Swim?

Swimming is arguably one of the best forms of exercise:

• Most Importantly Swimming is a Life Skill!

Swimming Pool Normal Operating Procedures

Swimming Pool Venues & dimensions

Samakee School Pool -         6m x 12m—depth 1.40 m (with shade cover)

4m x 6m—depth 0.60 m (with shade cover)

Tiwanon Army Transportation Swimming Pool

-25m x 13m - depth 1.30m - 3.00m

Teacher / adult - Student Ratio:

• Early Years Foundation Stage Nursery - 1:2
• Early Years KG & Reception - 1:3
• Year 1 & Year 2 - 1:3
• Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 - 1:10
• Swim Training  - 1:10

Recommended - Qualified life-saving certificate holder is present at all swim sessions. All adults on poolside are considered ‘dry-eyes’ and are familiar with the *EAP.

2. *EAP (Emergency Action Procedure) & Decision Making

EAP 2021  All adults working at the pool must be familiar with the EAP and act accordingly.

3. General Pool Rules

• Swimming is only allowed if a teacher is present
• All children to shower before entering and after exiting the pool
• No running or pushing on the poolside
• Food and drinks are not permitted on poolside
• Appropriate swimming kit including must be worn
• Anyone not following instructions given by the teacher may be asked to leave the pool
• Toys and equipment are cleared away after each session
• During storms, the pools will be closed and the entire area cleared at the discretion of the teacher. The pool will be normally opened 20 minutes after the last sound of thunder. See Lightening Policy

4. Pool opening hours - Samakee pool only - Pool to be used only in dictated curriculum timetabled lessons. Adults to liaise with PE coordinator if the pool is to be used outside of these times.

5.  Supervision of swimmers

This involves not only scanning the pool area ensuring that the users are not in any difficulty, but also that their behaviour does not cause injury to themselves or others. All staff are to make certain that the rules and regulations are adhered to.

5. Sun Protection Please refer to Sun Policy

6. Rescue Equipment and safety protocol Floatation aids - throw rope bags are taken with us to the Army pool. Pole and hook at school pool plus rope bags.

x4 members of Staff with Qualified Life Saving Certificate

6.1 -         3 Blasts on the whistle instructs children to leave the pool quickly and sensibly

7. Early Years Foundation Stage - Songs and games help to establish routines for young children and are used in water activities for beginners, to provide a source of motivation for exploring movement e.g. jump like a frog. The songs chosen should prompt actions and movement - see some examples below:

• It’s raining, it’s pouring – for activities with water over the back of the head
• Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around – for rotating and group games
• Ring a ring o rose – for steps to submersion in a group activity
• Down by the station – for moving through the water
• Humpty dumpty – for entry from the side of the pool
• Twinkle, twinkle – for floating on the back

Toys and Other Equipment

Children are naturally drawn to toys and other colourful equipment in the pool and they are used to get children to reach out, extend their arms, kick or move forward. Toys are useful for teaching the properties of water through pouring; splashing and watching toys float or sink. Toys also distract children who are unsure and need more time to play in the water before they are able to master body movements.