Frequently asked questions regarding swimming lesson
progress and the Home Portal
Parents ask us a lot of questions about swimming lesson progress. Here are a
few of the most popular ones we receive.
What should I expect from each lesson?
As the lessons progress the swimming teacher will record progress made against the
outcomes. Only when a swimmer is able to complete all of the outcomes consistently
will they progress onto the next stage.
What does each of the pass criteria mean?
N/A – swimmer has not yet been assessed on the outcome yet
N/P – swimmer requires practice
(we recommend where possible children practice outside of lessons in order to
progress quicker)
COMPETENT - swimmer has demonstrated they are capable of performing that
particular outcome
PASS – when a swimmer is able to complete the outcome consistently (more than
once)
It is worthwhile remembering that children need to show consistency in their ability to
perform tasks so the teachers will keep an eye on swimmers to ensure they are able
to perform the task more than once. This will mean that quite often the Homeportal
may not be updated as swimmer may still need to practice that area before they
become competent.
Will the Homeportal be updated after every lesson?
No, not all swimmers will have progressed after each lesson therefore it is highly
unlikely it will be updated each week. Some swimmers may need lots of practice at a
particular skill therefore the criteria will remain as N/P. The most important factor is
that each child learn to swim and enjoys learning to swim and that parents can see
their child improving over the course of lessons.
It is worthwhile remembering that children need to show consistency in their ability to
perform tasks so the teachers will keep an eye on swimmers to ensure they are able
to perform the task more than once. This will mean that quite often the homeportal
may not be updated as swimmer may still need to practice that area before they
become competent
Do cover teachers update Course Pro?
Yes when possible cover instructors will try their best to update however please this
can be really difficult with one off cover due to time and getting to know all of the
children.
My child’s making little progress, what can I do?
Some children become stuck on a particular skill and cannot fully complete the
stage. When this happens teachers will have an idea of how to move things
on. Speak to your child’s teacher to see if there is anything you can do in family
swimming time that will help. We also offer support through holiday intensive
courses.
How long will it take to pass each stage?
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This will vary with every swimmer depending on their skill and experience.
If a swimmer has the experience of pre-school or adult and child then he/she
may move faster initially through stage 1 and 2 of the framework.
Some children are more naturally competent and confident in the water and
therefore progress faster. Other children are slower to learn new skills but quite
often become stronger more proficient swimmers as they progress.
We follow a scheme of work over a 10 week block, therefore if your child is
absent 1 week this may mean they miss on carrying out that particular outcome.
Should I complain if I am not happy about my child’s swimming lesson
progress?
Yes, Be constructive in your comments and try to pinpoint what you are unhappy
with. Once you have identified the issues ask to speak our Aquatics Development
Officer and discuss possible solutions.
How do I know when my child is ready to progress to the next stage?
When the teacher has Passed your child in all of the outcomes for their lesson you
will receive an automated email advising that you child is ready to progress to the
next stage. You can then move your child using the HomePortal to a suitable day
and time (subject to availability)
What if there is no suitable day or time displayed on HomePortal
If there is no suitable day or time for your child on the next stage you may keep your
child in their current lesson until a place becomes available. Please remember if
there are places available but not your ideal choice of day or time, it may be better to
move them into that class so they are starting to learn new skill and enquire at
reception if any places have become available when you bring your child swimming.
Once my child is on a lesson can I change day or time?
We understand circumstances may change, if you need to permanently change day
or time of a lesson you can do this by enquiring at reception if we have any
vacancies. This option is not available on HomePortal. You may only change day/
time on HomePortal when progressing your child onto the next stage.
Why is my child remaining on N/P for a particular task for several weeks?
Your child is continuously assessed and once the instructor is satisfied that the task
has consistently been demonstrated they will mark the task as ‘competent’ or move
straight to ‘pass’
If I have any questions can I speak to my child’s swimming teacher?
Due to the continuous scheduling of lessons it is not always possible as the teacher
may need to teach their next lesson. Any questions can be left for the teacher on a
ask you teacher card and an email will be send to you.
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