Swimming 2023 Years 4 & 5

Before the pandemic we would normally send Year 3 pupils swimming during the summer term.

Last year when, swimming resumed, we sent the current Year 6 as they were the children who would have gone in 2020. Our aim was to make sure that no year group left us without having had swimming lessons.

This year we have been able to obtain two slots, enabling both Year 5 and Year 4 to go. Our ultimate aim is, eventually, to return to swimming being a Year 3 activity.

Both classes will be going swimming (separately) every morning for the first 3 weeks after this half term.

Mr Davies will be accompanying the children. Therefore, Mr Davies’s class will be taught by Mr Herbert whilst he is with Year 5.

Swimming is a statutory requirement of the National Curriculum so all children are expected to attend.

A child with warts or verrucas should go swimming as normal. Swimming is a vital skill, which can save your life. Warts can be covered with waterproof plasters. A verruca can also be covered with a waterproof plaster. Some people prefer to wear a special sock which you can buy from pharmacies. However, this makes it very obvious that you have a verruca, may be embarrassing, and has not been proved to make a difference. British swimming organisations do not advise wearing the waterproof sock. The plaster should be enough. It is also a good idea to wear flip-flops when using communal showers, as this may reduce the chance of catching or passing on virus particles from verrucas.

The school pays for the cost of lessons, however we ask for a contribution towards the transport costs of £20 per child. Whilst the contribution is not compulsory, it is very much needed and appreciated. If all families contribute this will still only cover approx 50% of the cost of the bus and the school will pay the difference. We can accept cash or a cheque made payable to Pontllanfraith Primary School.

Children will need to bring swimming kit every day (if possible, you may find it easier to have 2 kits on rotation as it can be difficult to get kit dried overnight). Please note: no bikinis, tankinis or baggy swim shorts. If children are body conscious, a rash vest is acceptable. Long hair should be tied back and no jewellery worn. It is recommended that all children have goggles.

Children who are asthmatic will need to take their inhaler – all inhalers should be labelled and asthma cards should be up to date in the school office.