New Swindon project helps young swimmers

A groundbreaking pilot project helping young people in Swindon with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to learn to swim has proved such a success that it will run for another year.

The scheme was set up by ‘Better’s’ Swim School lead and Inclusion Manager Cheryl Pottinger in recognition of the fact that children with SEND often need extra support in the water.

Classes are funded by charity Level Water, which specialises in inclusive swimming, and run at the Link Centre and Dorcan Recreation Complex.

“We work with young people with a wide range of challenges such as physical difficulties, visual or hearing impairments, autism or ADHD,” Cheryl said. 

“We take time to get to know them as individuals before they start. 

“We meet their family and gather as much information as we can about their triggers, likes and dislikes, and what might distract them. Some children find the water calming while others might be disturbed by sudden, unpredictable noises around the pool. It’s massively rewarding to learn how they communicate.”

Pupils often start by learning to swim one-to-one with a teacher and progress to a group situation, Cheryl said, adding that it was heartwarming to see them develop social skills in the process. The Swim School team also arranges family get-togethers such as ice skating to encourage a sense of belonging among the young swimmers.

Siblings Noah and Nellie from Swindon both struggle with noise anxiety – Noah has autism and dyspraxia. Both have gained in confidence through learning to swim with Cheryl and her team. 

Their mum said in a message to the team: “I would like to say thank you so much for giving my children the chance to learn such a key life skill. 

"Your hard work and fundraising have given Noah and Nellie the chance to thrive and be happy within an inclusive environment. 

"Cheryl has made such a huge difference to their experience with swimming. I would love to see more places offer inclusive activities for children of all abilities.”

 Cheryl is keen to encourage other families to come forward and join the scheme: “People might think, ‘Oh no, my child will never be able to swim!’ but they might be surprised if they give it a try!”

To find out more, people can contact Better’s customer services team on 01793 877323 or visit the Link Centre or the Dorcan Complex in person.

For more information about inclusive swimming in general, they can visit Level Water’s website at www.levelwater.org.