TORQUAY
LEANDER STATEMENT OF PRACTICE
PUPIL TEACHER RATIOS
It is recommended that in the vast majority of cases
encountered, pupil: teacher ratios should not exceed 20:1 – and in some cases
should be less than that. These ratios are based upon safety requirements and
not the criteria for teaching. The paragraph given later headed Exceptions deals with those routine circumstances in which the 20:1 ratio can
be exceeded. Having taken into account the safety and other guidelines already
dealt with, the recommendations here should be helpful in determining actual
ratios for programmes swimming activities. The ratios given are for pupils in
the water. Where the teacher is also responsible for pupils not in the water
but on the poolside, then the ratios may need to be smaller or appropriate
action taken as indicated in the paragraph given later headed Exceptions.
The
ratios – not to be exceeded
Adult and Child classes 12:1
TL does not
have this type of swimming programme
Non-swimmers and beginners 12:1
Young children, normally of primary school age or adults
being introduced to swimming. If more than this number is being taught, other
adults may be used to help the teacher/coach.6.30 SESSIONS M & TH
Improving swimmers 20:1
Swimmers of similar ability to each other who can swim at
least 10 metres competently and unaided on their front and back. It is
recommended that the lesson be confined to an area of the pool where pupils are
not out of their depth. 7.00 SESSIONS M & TH
Mixed ability groups 20:1
Pupils with a range of ability (from improver standard to
competent swimmers) but where the least able and least confident are working
well within their depth. Swimmers technique, stamina and deep water experience
should be considered. Friday 6.30
Competent swimmers 20:1
Those swimmers who can swim at least 25 metres competently
and unaided on front and back, and can tread water for two minutes..
7.30 SESSIONS M & TH; SAT 9.00
Competitive swimmers 30:1
Training only, with very competent swimmers 8.00
SESSIONS M & TH;F 6.30&SUN 4.30
Synchronised swimming 20:1
TL does not
have this type of swimming programme
Water Polo 20:1 TL does not have this type of swimming
programme
Aerobics in deep water 20:1 TL does not
have this type of swimming programme
Aerobics in shallow water 30:1 TL does not
have this type of swimming programme
Diving – beginners and improver divers 12:1 TL does not
have this type of swimming programme
Diving – competitive divers 15:1
TL does not
have this type of swimming programme
Swimmers with disabilities 8:1
(With an appropriate number of helpers). Each situation must
be considered independently as people with disabilities do not form a
homogenous group. Care must be taken to ensure that there are sufficient
helpers in the water to provide a 1:1 ratio for those needing constant support
and a sufficient number of other helpers to provide the degree of support
demanded by the range of disabilities with in the group. There are national
organisations for specific disabilities from whom further guidance may be
obtained. TL does not have this type of swimming programme but has disabled
swimmers who are competent and swim with competitive squad
Exceptions
Organisational demands will sometimes make a teaching ratio
within 20:1 virtually impossible. In these circumstances a qualified and
skilled teacher can adopt a number of strategies to help with the management of
the group. For example, another responsible person on the poolside, who is
competent to recognise and respond to a pupil in difficulty, may provide the
necessary supervision. In a school this could be an interested parent, a
teaching auxiliary or a sixth form student training for a sport leader or
similar award. They must always work under the supervision of the teacher and
be
absolutely clear on the nature and extent of their role.
Alternatively, pupils can be taught to work in pairs,
immediately having the number in the water at any one time. The teacher
instructs the resting pupils, who must be out of the water, to constantly
observe their partners and to bring any concern to the immediate attention of
the teacher.
Teachers can adopt these measures only where they are
included in the pool’s normal operating procedures, and not where there is:
• A wide
variation in the swimming ability of the pupils
• Language or
learning difficulties
• A large
water area (more than 250sq metres)
• Deep water
areas into which poor ability swimmers could stray and be out of their depth
• Difficulty
in seeing beneath the water surface due to glare or reflection
9. TEACHERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Teachers and coaches must be trained, and able to carry out
their role, in the pool’s emergency action plan. They must ensure that:
• The pupils
understand and regularly practise their response in an emergency
• The
emergency procedures to evacuate the water and summon assistant are practised
regularly in accordance with the requirements of the emergency action plan.
Safety considerations must always be paramount. If an
employer or organiser insists on a pupil: teacher ratio considered by the
teacher involved to be inappropriate and potentially unsafe, then the teacher
should express that concern:
• Verbally to
the appropriate supervisor and/or employer at the time
• In writing,
passed to the appropriate supervisor and/or employer
• In extreme
circumstances a teacher or coach may have to consider whether it is safe to
continue with a swimming lesson
10. FURTHER INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE
Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), Harold Fern House,
Institute of Swimming (IOS) Harold Fern House,
Lifesavers, The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) River
House, High Street, Broom, Warks, B50 4HN Tel: 01789 773994, email: lifesavers@rlss.org.uk, website: http://www.lifesavers.org.uk