Training

I cannot swim. I have to accompany my class to swimming lessons. My Head Teacher has arranged for me to do a training course for those supervising sessions over two weeks, where I will be required to go into the water. I don't want to do this. Do I have to?

No, you can’t be required to go into the water in this instance, this poses not only safety issuess for you but for the students involved. Your headteacher could make separate arrangements for your class, possibly a swap with another teacher or have along a teaching assistant who can swim to aid you while you remain at the side.

If going in the water is a requirement of the training course, it’s necessary for you to speak to your head teacher as soon as possible.

Teachers who come under pressure to supervise swimming activities or to teach swimming and who do not feel either fully confident or appropriate qualified should raise the matter as soon as possible with their NUT division secretary or regional office.

Health & Safety issue

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a clear duty to take into account employees’ capabilities as regards health and safety when entrusting tasks.  Employers must also ensure that employees are provided with adequate health and safety training if they take on extra responsibilities, such as the supervision of swimming sessions, thereby exposing themselves, and others, to risk.  Any training should be repeated periodically to ensure continued competence.