In support of important changes made to STA’s submersion policy this month, the aquatics team have created a free online CPD up-skill programme to inform all baby and pre-school swimming teachers and tutors about this new child-led approach to teaching.

Kaylë Burgham, STA’s Aquatics Technical Manager explains the reasoning behind the new policy: As part of the research undertaken during the development of the new STA Baby and Pre-School Diploma qualification, STA has made changes to its submersion policy to support the fact that baby and pre-school swimming lessons should not be primarily outcome- or goal-focused; they should be child-led and based on the needs, feelings and developmental stage of the babies and pre-schoolers within that specific swimming lesson.

STA confirm that all changes have been incorporated into the Baby and Pre-School Award course, and all course resources have been updated and are available to download from STA Online. This includes electronic copies of the updated manual pages, portfolio, examination papers and course presentation.

As further support, the free CPD, which is mandatory for tutors, explains the new teaching methodology being recommended and how to teach submersions using a child-led approach.

Kaylë adds: We strongly advise that all baby and pre-school swimming teachers complete this online programme to maintain their occupational competency. And by 30th April 2017, all baby and pre-school tutors must have completed the online submersion programme and be using the updated paperwork and resources.

Additionally, we would like to remind tutors that during the practical sessions and practical examination of a baby and pre-school course, candidates must be teaching baby and pre-school learners in an adult-and-child lesson, and not using demonstration dolls.

If you have any questions regarding these changes, please do not hesitate to get in touch with STA’s aquatics team.