As most of you know, last year, we introduced the pop-up pool to try to improve our swimming provision and outcomes. I would like to explain the thinking behind this trial and how it is going to work this year. 

Historically, we have attended swimming lessons at the local pool. The arrangements for this were that one class went for a term each. Everyone went and the time was fixed. We started to find that parents and children were less keen to go if they had already learnt to swim outside of school and some parents found it costly with the coach and the swimming lessons. We switched to walking there and back which significantly reduced the cost but the issue of everyone receiving the same provision, no matter their ability, remained the same. 

We then switched to families signing up if their children were interested and needed the lessons whilst those that were already good swimmers could do PE at school instead. This meant those children who couldn’t swim could have lessons for longer with a greater chance of acquiring this important skill whilst children that didn’t need this opportunity, did not go therefore saving families money and avoiding children spending valuable curriculum time on something they could already do well. We hoped that this would increase the number of children that were competent swimmers by the time they left our school. However, this has not really had the impact we had hoped. It can be confusing and complicated for families and staff as the groups can be ever changing and children have still not been making the progress we would like.  

Our ultimate objective when offering swimming lessons is to increase the number of children that can meet the national curriculum expectations (there are several criteria but the main one is being able to swim 25 metres) and acquire this possibly lifesaving skill. With that aim in mind, we will have the pop-up pool in situ for the month of November. This is a repeat of what we did last year where we found some children had great success in learning to swim during this period of time.  

Swimming lessons will be offered to children in Years 4, 5 and 6 children who can’t swim meaning that children who need it will get three sustained periods to secure this skill.  

Where the pool will go and when?
The pool will be constructed and filled at October half term and will be situated on the top playground between Year 4 and the field in a secure marquee. It is a 10m x 5m x 1.4m heated pool with an average temperature of 30° C. There will be room to walk around it for access and we will tell the children it is out of bounds unless they are with an adult. I hope our local neighbours will keep an eye out for us at night-time and the weekends but other schools have not reported a problem with security.  It will be in place for 4 weeks.  

How the lessons will be organised?
We are using a reputable and experienced company that comes recommended and work within Swim England and Swimming Teacher Association guidelines. The pool will be staffed by two qualified swimming instructors who are also trained lifeguards. A member of our support team will supervise changing and going to and from lessons. There will be 12 children in a group and 10 half an hour lessons across a day. There is a very high success rate for children learning to swim over a period of four weeks if they can have lessons daily.  

What we need from families  
We need families to give consent on Arbor and complete the form to let us know how far each child can swim. Children need to bring their kit every single day for the greatest chance to learning and improve in this period.  

The form can be found at the bottom of this page and the consent request is on the Arbor portal under 'notices'. 

The cost 
We have calculated that each lesson costs £4.50 which means if your child swims for the whole month this will cost £90. We appreciate that this will be very difficult for some families.  

No child will be denied the chance to swim if their family cannot or does not pay. However, we would not be able to fund a huge shortfall each year so if we were not able to cover the costs with voluntary contributions and possible fund-raising activities, we may have to reduce other activities as swimming is part of the national curriculum. 

Lessons no longer take place at Stevenage Swimming Pool. All swimming will take place annually (in November) in the pop up pool on site.  

What will the children need?
They will need a swimming costume, towel, swimming hat with them every day until we inform you that they are no longer swimming. 

Will every child in Years 4, 5 and 6 participate this year?  
All children in Years 4, 5 and 6 who cannot swim 25m will be offered the opportunity to swim. We hope there are no barriers to every child being able to join in. If the cost is a barrier, please pay what you can and/or contact Mrs Burgess to discuss. If equipment is a barrier, please let her know as well. We will have a small reserve of all the necessary equipment that we will loan out so that no child misses out. If there are cultural/religious barriers please again speak to Mrs Burgess so we can find a way. Equally if your child has special needs speak to Mrs Birchall so we can see if we can accommodate these so all children can be included.  

Does my child have to take part? 
We will be asking for consent for children to use the pool so you are able to decline this opportunity if you would prefer. We will also be asking for proof of swimming ability. As swimming is part of the national curriculum, swimming ability will be added to school reports.  

Will there be an option to pay the swimming fee over the term/year? 
Yes. Payments will be made via Arbor and you will have the option to pay over a number of months with a deadline being around February/March 2026. 

Where will children get changed? 
Children will be separated into boys and girls for changing in the same way they are when they go to the pool. We do not want any children to feel uncomfortable getting changed for lessons so will of course accommodate a space to change privately if necessary and possible. You can help with this by allowing your child to wear their swimming costume under their uniform to make getting ready for lessons quicker.  

^{Page last updated: September 2025}