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Swimming lessons

NAS61992
over 5 years ago

Hi all ... I have an eight year old son who is autistic. I have been informed by his school that on the 3rd May he will be required to take part in swimming lessons. I was told by a teacher at his school last year that once the lessons began he would be able to 'opt out' but unfortunately since being told that swimming is now part of the curriculum, and there is no 'opt out' option. Myself and my son were both happy for him not to attend as he had swimming lessons when he was younger and the instructor deemed him unsafe. My son is very a anxious about attending, as he said he is scared of not being able to do what is expected of him and also worried that he will not remember the instructions from the instructor. He has a very short attention span and also struggles to process information, in his words, things go in his brain and out again after 5 seconds. Has anyone got an advice on not only how to prepare him for the lessons but also me. I am so scared for his safety, during his last lessons he kept his head under water for so long I was on the verge of jumping in the pool and also whilst he was waiting for his instructions he started jumping up and down and ended up out of his depth. There were only four in his group when he was younger, now there are going to be 90. Although obviously there will be more adults supervising. I am so worried about this it's actually giving me anxiety attacks and the lessons haven't even began yet. I would be truly grateful for any advice anyone can offer. Thank you in advance. Caz 

Parents
  • over 5 years ago

    Hi, 

    My daughter is 8 and still awaiting assessment but is terrified of water and it getting in her face. Our school also does swimming in year 4 and it to is mandatory, but.. . A child can be exempt for medical or safety reasons also you must give consent for him to be taken out of school.

    I also work in my daughters school and I know there is at least 2 asd children that have been exempt on sensory or safety grounds. 

    I is entirely possible that your sons teachers are not aware of the risk assessments needed so have not given you correct information I would suggest asking for a meeting with the school senco or designated safeguarding leader to discuss what happened last time he went swimming you will probably find they are willing to exempt him

Reply
  • over 5 years ago

    Hi, 

    My daughter is 8 and still awaiting assessment but is terrified of water and it getting in her face. Our school also does swimming in year 4 and it to is mandatory, but.. . A child can be exempt for medical or safety reasons also you must give consent for him to be taken out of school.

    I also work in my daughters school and I know there is at least 2 asd children that have been exempt on sensory or safety grounds. 

    I is entirely possible that your sons teachers are not aware of the risk assessments needed so have not given you correct information I would suggest asking for a meeting with the school senco or designated safeguarding leader to discuss what happened last time he went swimming you will probably find they are willing to exempt him

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