This summer, a significant initiative will provide free swimming lessons for over 6,000 children across Wiltshire, marking an essential development in community engagement and youth education. The program is set to run as part of a pilot scheme, primarily targeting children enrolled in Wiltshire Council’s FUEL program and those attending secondary schools that provide free meals. This approach helps to ensure that children from lower-income households are afforded the same opportunities as their peers to improve their swimming skills.
The opportunity to access up to ten swimming lessons will be available at various council-run leisure centers, including notable locations such as the Marlborough Leisure Centre and the Calne Community Campus. This initiative not only promotes physical fitness but also emphasizes safety in water, which is an important skill for children. Swimming is often considered an essential life skill that can help save lives and prevent drowning incidents.
Councillor Jon Hubbard, who serves as the cabinet member for education at Wiltshire Council, provided insights into the funding of this program. He remarked that “a few pennies behind the sofa” contributed to the financial resources necessary for implementing the free lessons. The total funding requirement for this initiative was approximately £45,000, with budgets being allocated from both Public Health England funding and the children’s services budget, reflecting a multi-faceted approach to financing community health and safety programs.
In his comments to BBC Radio Wiltshire, Mr. Hubbard stressed the importance of offering positive and engaging activities for children during their long summer break from school. With several weeks spent away from their usual environment, providing these fun-filled swimming lessons enables children to forge new friendships, build happy memories, and enjoy a sense of community. The focus on creating enjoyable experiences is crucial, as it fosters an environment where children can reflect positively on their summer activities.
Parents of children who meet the eligibility criteria will have the responsibility to provide proof of the children’s entitlement to free school meals when attending the pool. Schools have been proactive in communicating eligibility details to parents and have extended invitations for their children to participate in the FUEL program. This proactive outreach aims to ensure that the opportunities associated with these free lessons reach those who are most in need.
The swimming lessons will be available at various pools throughout Wiltshire, offering flexibility and ease of access for families. The list of participating locations includes a diverse array of leisure centers, such as:
– Bradford on Avon
– Calne Community Campus
– Devizes Leisure Centre
– Durrington Swimming and Fitness Centre
– Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury
– Lime Kiln Leisure Centre, Royal Wootton Bassett
– Marlborough Leisure Centre
– Melksham Community Campus
– Olympiad Leisure Centre, Chippenham
– Springfield Community Campus, Corsham
– The Activity Zone, Malmesbury
– The Vale Community Campus, Pewsey
– Tidworth Leisure Centre
– Trowbridge Sports Centre
– Warminster Sports Centre
– Westbury Pool
This expansive list demonstrates Wiltshire Council’s commitment to providing widespread access to swimming education and ensuring that no child misses out on this opportunity.
Finally, a review of the swimming lesson initiative is planned for autumn, after its completion. This assessment will evaluate its effectiveness and gauge the potential for future programs, ensuring that the Council is responsive to the needs and interests of the community. Overall, this scheme stands as a testament to the importance of community support in the realm of children’s education and wellbeing, aiding them in acquiring essential life skills while also promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
