Swindon school's pop-up pool ready for swimming lessons

Gorse Hill Primary School has a pop-up swimming pool on site.

The school, part of The White Horse Federation, says the pool is officially open and ready for lessons for all Gorse Hill year groups from reception to Year 6.
Gorse Hill is also running family swim sessions on Friday afternoons as well as swimming sessions for women only on Friday mornings.
The pop up pool will be in place for six weeks and the initiative has been organised to help provide vital life skills for Gorse Hill pupils and their families, as well as helping meet national curriculum requirements.
The primary national curriculum states that all schools must provide swimming instruction in either Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2, and pupils should be taught to:
- swim competently, confidently, and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres
- use a range of strokes effectively - for example, front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke
- perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations
Headteacher Candida Hutchinson said: “We are delighted to offer this incredible facility to our pupils. Swimming is such an important skill, and having our own pool means every child can learn in a familiar, supportive setting.
"We can’t wait to see the joy and confidence this brings to our school community.
“Here’s to many splashes, smiles, and successes in the pool!"
Dr Dan Nicholls, CEO at The White Horse Federation, said: “This initiative is a wonderful example of how our schools and local communities can work together to create opportunities for all.
"It ensures access to experiences that some children might not otherwise have, and it reflects the incredible commitment of our staff and Trust partners who continue to inspire and enrich lives.”