Give all children - irrespective of gender, ethnicity or religion - the knowledge, skills and understanding to enjoy water safely Expand Access to swimming tuition and water safety skills differs across the UK, most notably there is often a disparity for those from low-income and ethnically diverse family groups. This includes both any curricular provision and extra-curricular activity. The most recent data shared through the 2022 Active Lives Survey shows that only 34.7% of children from low-affluence families are able swim 25m unaided compared to 76.4% from high-income families (76.4%). Water Smart Schools requires a holistic, whole school approach that is pupil-led, bringing the classroom and the outdoors together through a process of encouraged experiential learning.
Class-based – minimum cost, minimum resources, low time commitment Expand Water Smart Schools provides the materials needed to give all children the knowledge, skills and understanding to enjoy water safely. The programme is completely free. All we ask is that you consider providing a donation or running some fundraising activity during the year to help the charity continue to provide our lifesaving work and educate more people to enjoy water safely. The programme can be completed at your pace and to your choice of a Bronze, Silver or Gold commitment level. Every two years we will ask you to renew your commitment.
Specifically addresses health and wellbeing (PSHE in England) objectives and outcomes (equally applicable for English, Scottish, Welsh and NI curricula) Expand Regardless of your national curriculum requirements, Water Smart Schools is founded on the principles of educating the individual to keep themselves and others safe in, on and around water. Objectives and outcomes used will therefore be familiar to educators throughout the British Isles.
Potential to address other-subject objectives and engage with a ‘broad curriculum’ Expand The Water Smart Schools programme can easily be taught in a cross-curricular, multi-disciplinary way. By default, using the provided lesson plans and resources will draw upon objectives and outcomes from geography, written and spoken language, IT skills, map reading, art and design. Any educator has the scope to build a thematic programme of study and bring the programme alive in an holistic manner.
Potential to link with other schools in other areas and internationally Expand Why not link up with other schools in your area, to collaborate and support each other to achieve the Water Smart Schools accreditation? Water Smart Schools actively supports and encourages all organisations to build stronger community awareness of water safety education. Perhaps you could host a swimming gala or PE activity day. You can even explore your international school links and help those in other countries to become Water Smart.
Accreditation standards are achievable and optimal Expand Water Smart Schools is a flexible and adaptable programme that can be applied to any learned environment with agility and ease, including Primary, Secondary, Further and SEND settings.
Accreditation provides a visible commitment by a school to improve /enhance the quality of education Expand Participating schools can work towards the accreditation at one of three fulfilling and challenging levels – bronze, silver or gold – utilising our tried and tested, easy-to-deliver class-based lesson plans and associated resources. Once they have completed and evidenced our accreditation checklist, they will be awarded with a certificate and Water Safety Schools badge for their website and communications.
Repeatable and consistent framework of process and evaluation Expand The tried and tested accreditation process means you will be able to effectively and efficiently deliver water safety education to your students, year on year. Use the information gained from the integral questionnaire to inform your future planning and target your efforts.
Promotes community cohesion Expand Wider community involvement and awareness enhances the image of the school and develops positive links with parents, carers, local organisations and external agencies. Strengthened community links will provide children with a more holistic level of education and give real context to the learning experience.