SCHOOL SWIMMING SCHEME
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.
How many students can I bring?
A.
60 students per session is the maximum number for a “mainstream” session.
Schools, depending on their needs, are encouraged to apply for more than one
session if there is a student need.
There is an average teaching ratio of 1 teacher:15 students. This ratio is a guide only
Q
We are having difficulty ‘filling the session’ – what can we do?
A.
Initially the scheme should be offered to students who cannot swim 25 metres
competently from Years 2 – 6. If your school is having difficulty in filling your session
you can consider allowing year 1 students attend. You should factor year 1 students
on a ratio of 1:10
If you have a neighbouring school that also participates you may consider combining
with them to make the bus trip more affordable
60 is the maximum. Your school may choose to send fewer students.
Q
If we decide to withdraw from the program what do I need to do?
A
If your school decides to withdraw from the program you must notify the
School Sport Unit in writing at least 20 days before your scheduled program. Failure
to do so may incur a cost. SSS Staff employed for your session will need to be
disengaged and this needs to be done 20 days prior to the program.
Q
Will my staff be expected to teach a group?
A
Yes! Each school is required to provide two escort teachers per session.
One is a Swimming Escort Teacher who is required to teach a group. This teacher
will be mentored by the School Swimming Staff.
The other teacher will be the Supervising Escort who will assist with pool deck
supervision, roll maintenance –recording progress of students and providing
assistance with student welfare issues.
To ensure the best program outcomes for your students it is important that the same
Escort Teachers are maintained for the length of the scheme.
Q
Are there any Teacher Professional Learning courses available?
A.
Yes. The School Sport Unit offers a number of courses each year. These are
The one day AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Certificate
and the
School Swimming Escort Swimming Teacher Workshop
Information regarding both courses maybe found on the School Sport Unit website at
the following URL
www.sports.det.nsw.edu.au/proflearning/
Q
What should the children bring to the pool?
A.
The children will need to bring swimming costumes, towel and sun block.
Students may also like to bring goggles, swimming cap and a ‘rash shirt’
Q.
Can we include students with special needs?
A.
Yes! Students with special needs are encouraged to participate in the School
Swimming Scheme. Depending on the type of disabilities some schools will have to
supply additional support (eg teacher’s aid to work with the student in the water). If
students have seizure or blackout conditions the school will also need to provide an
additional ‘spotter’ for each child with this condition.
Please ensure that the session size of 60 is reduced to accommodate the special
needs in the group. Many schools have included multiple autistic / behaviuoral
students in with a session of 60 making the group ratios very high.
Q
What happens if a child is injured in my group?
A.
If a child is injured in your group or in one of the groups an accident report will
need to be completed. You will need to follow exactly the same procedures you
would at school!
Q
Do I need to bring any equipment?
A
All the swimming teaching aids are provided by DET. The only equipment that
you will need to bring each day is the roll book and any personal equipment that you
will need.
Q
Are the School Swimming Teachers qualified?
A
Yes! The School Swimming Scheme is staffed generally by qualified school
teachers who are also AUSTSWIM accredited. Occasionally community members
are used but all have AUSTSWIM accreditation and have undergone the prerequisite
police screening.
Q
Do we come if it is raining?
A
Yes! The School Swimming Scheme will continue if it is raining. The ultimate
decision for the scheme to proceed in inclement weather will rest with the school
principal. In the event of extreme weather conditions (electrical storms, extreme
heat, dust storms) schools will need to liaise with the School Swimming Scheme
Teacher-In-Charge. In these cases the SSS teachers may come to the school to
deliver the safety talks if arrangements can be made with sufficient time.
If schools decide not to attend in these circumstances it is imperative that the SSS
staff is informed.