School Swimming – Pop Up Pool Statement in Manchester
Position statement of Manchester Active
As we approach the final half term of school swimming for the 2024-25 academic year, we have been informed that several schools are choosing to withdraw from Manchester’s School Swimming programme, which is overseen and delivered at local swimming pools by Manchester Active, opting instead to contract with alternative providers who deliver ‘Swim at School’ on their school premises. These companies are contacting schools to sign up for the 2025-26 academic year.
While we understand the financial benefits, particularly in light of high transportation costs, I would like to highlight Swim England and the Swimming Teacher Association’s stance on ‘Pop Up Pools,’ as well as the broader advantages of utilising leisure centres and the concerns associated with this alternative model.
Following the contracting of alternative pool-in-the-school providers this academic year, a number of schools have since returned to the Manchester School Swimming Programme due to their preference for this delivery model and the attainment levels achieved.
Swim England & STA do not endorse the use of ‘pop up pools’ for the delivery of school swimming & water safety
- Often these types of pools are designed for domestic, family use and concerns remain about their ability to meet health and safety requirements when used in a commercial setting with a massively increased number of pool users.
- Whilst our organisations want to see access to opportunities to learn to swim widened for more children to benefit from, the safety and wellbeing of all participants must be the number one priority.
- For this reason, at this stage, Swim England, the Swimming Teachers’ Association and Swim Wales do not endorse the use of ‘pop-up pools’ for the delivery of school swimming and water safety lessons.
- Any school considering the use of such a pool is encouraged to read the full statement in the first instance.
- We believe no pop up pools in use for School Swimming lessons meet guidance provided by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PTWAG), specifically Technical Note 65 (TN65) or Health & safety Executive guidance, particularly HSG 179, which specifically pertains to the operation of swimming pools.
- Concerns also remain that it is not possible to adequately assess pupil’s attainment against National Curriculum requirements, particularly the skills needed to demonstrate the ability to self-rescue, in pop up pools which are commonly small & shallow
The full statement from the national governing bodies can be found by accessing the below link –
https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/pop-up-pools-statement/
IMPORTANT NOTICE – We have been informed that there is a company named “Swim@School”,operating through the parent company Greater Manchester Sports Club, who are currently under police investigation by Greater Manchester police. This relates to allegations that they have taken payment from schools and not provided a service. If you have been affected by this company please get in touch with Manchester Active to discuss options on the Manchester School Swimming Programme.
The strategic benefit of accessing local leisure centres and FAQ’s relating to the pop up pools, including due diligence schools will need to undertake can be found in the attachment.
For further information please contact; Lyndsey Lidyard, School Contracts Officer Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0161 974 7841