Schools will be able to take advantage of a free swimming programme provided by the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) to improve the capabilities of young children.

The School Swimming Programme features eight achievement awards within an eight-stage programme, which teaches children skills in strokes, distance, lifesaving skills and water safety. It also encourages learners to go beyond the 25m (82ft) swimming requirement before leaving primary school.

Downloadable and printable resources will be provided to the schools by the STA, as well as certificates to keep students motivated.

Swimming teachers will be advised on 30- and 60-minute teaching plans for children of all abilities, and the STA will also create a system which provides written documentation of pupils’ progress for Ofsted evidence.

“This is about ensuring learners are well-rounded and informed swimmers – not competitive swimmers – which is why we’ve broken it down into eight awards that mark key achievements in their progress,” said STA operations director Claire Brisbourne.

She added: “We’ve used our extensive experience in creating a wide range of learn to swim programmes over the last 80+ years to come up with a transparent and exceptionally well thought out scheme that will bring huge benefits to swim schools, to teachers and, most of all, to learners.”

Child swimming proficiency formed a core part of the government’s Sporting Future strategy. A working group is being established to advise on how to ensure children leave primary school able to meet the minimum 25m standard.