Swimming 2025 Year 3

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

It has taken until this year for us to 'catch up' and ensure that all children had the opportunity to experience swimming lessons with us before they leave. Our goal was always to return to swimming being a Year 3 activity.

The children will go swimming at Newbridge Leisure Centre, leaving here at 9:30am every day following the first May Bank Holiday (so Tuesday 6/5/25) until the last day before the second Bank Holiday (Thursday 22/5/25 as we are closed for cluster INSET on the Friday).

They will be back in school just after 11am every day so will be able to order lunches as normal.

Swimming is a statutory requirement of the National Curriculum so all children are expected to attend unless there is a medical reason preventing them from taking part. It is not optional.

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. This year the cost of transport per child is £52. Following consultation with the parent forum last year, we suggest a minimum contribution of £25 (and appreciate it if parents are able to contribute more). Whilst the contribution is not compulsory, it is very much needed and appreciated. 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.