Statement from PCC - School Swimming 2020/21

School Swimming 2020/21

We write with regards to the Plymouth and surrounding area schools swimming programme 2020/21 and the impact both Covid (social distancing) and building rectification works at the Plymouth Life Centre will have on the schools swimming programme in this academic year.

Firstly, as per the attached press release, the Council have taken the opportunity to temporarily close the Plymouth Life Centre to undertake emergency repair works to the building.  Work has already commenced on site and is due to be completed in early April 2021.  We apologise for the inconvenience caused and have liaised with both the Plymouth School Sports Partnership and Education lead within the Council, to ensure, that once the facility re-opens we prioritise school swimming.  

We understand the challenge that this will present for your school but are keen to ensure that children do not miss out.  Therefore we would suggest that the children that missed lessons due to the Covid-19 closure have the priority when lessons return.  We hope to offer increased capacity over the next 18 months (April 2021 onwards) so that we can catch-up with the missed delivery and then return to the preferred model of Year 4 receiving swimming lessons.

Secondly, whilst school swimming can continue at Plympton Swimming Pool, in line with previous years (Spring & Summer term), we are currently ascertaining any operational impact in line with government guidance and how school swimming can be delivered at a local level in line with COVID advice.

As Britain’s Ocean City, we acknowledge the importance of curriculum school swimming and the benefits that this has to young people in terms of physical and mental health, but also as a key safety skill for individuals.  Please be assured that all reasonable endeavours will be undertaken to ensure that where possible schools can access swimming  this academic year.

What does this mean for School Swimming 2020/21

• School Swimming will be a priority when the Life Centre reopens in April 2021 – those schools who missed school swimming in the Spring and Summer 2020 (as a result of lock-down) will be the first tier schools welcomed back, followed by all schools who have previously been part of our programme.  We also intend to provide Top Up Swimming in early July.
• Plympton Swimming Pool (PSP) will be offering School Swimming in the Spring and Summer term 2021, in line with government guidance on COVID social distancing and Everyone Active (operator risks assessments).  The pool manager will liaise directly with schools who have previously used PSP for school swimming.

Further communication will be issued to all those schools on the programme in early November 2020. 

In the meantime should you have any queries please contact the following;

Plympton Swimming Pool; Kerry Lewis [email protected]

Plymouth Life Centre; Guy Westwood [email protected]