Swimming

Swimming is a valued part of our Physical Development curriculum. We have developed our own bespoke Stanley Swimming Framework to ensure that every pupil can make meaningful progress. This framework supports the development of gross motor skills, water confidence, swimming skills and water safety, while ensuring that sessions are engaging, accessible and highly individualised.

Alongside curriculum swimming, we offer additional opportunities for pupils to extend their skills and interests. Our lunchtime clubs include Swimming and Basic Rookie Lifeguard activities, providing pupils with wider experiences in personal safety, teamwork and resilience. Several pupils also represent the school in swimming galas, celebrating their achievements and growing confidence.

Sensory Swimming

Some pupils benefit from dedicated sensory swim sessions that offer a low-stimulation, therapeutic aquatic environment tailored to their sensory needs. These sessions focus on calmness, exploration and regulation, enabling pupils to experience the water in a supportive and unhurried way.

A sensory swim is intentionally designed to minimise sensory overload by reducing noise, using gentle lighting and incorporating sensory-friendly resources. The aim is not high-energy activity but rather a nurturing space that helps pupils feel safe, settled and ready to learn.

Key features of our sensory swim sessions:

Low-stimulation environment:
We create a quieter, calmer atmosphere by reducing background noise. Soft, calming instrumental music may be played through a speaker to support relaxation.

Sensory-friendly toys:
Selected sensory-friendly toys may be used to provide visual or tactile input. These are introduced sparingly, as overuse can increase stimulation.

Deep pressure input:

Deep pressure massage can be offered as part of the session to help pupils feel grounded and safe in the water. 

Musical Hydrotherapy

Musical Hydrotherapy offers a unique multisensory experience that combines warm water with immersive sound. Underwater speakers allow music to be experienced through vibration as well as hearing. Pupils float on the water surface, supported by trained staff, and feel sound travel through their body. When the head is partially submerged, vibrations stimulate the inner ear, creating the sensation of hearing music from within.

This deeply calming, whole-body experience can reduce agitation, inspire gentle movement or vocalisation, and promote moments of stillness and wellbeing. Musical Hydrotherapy sessions are carefully tailored to each pupil, supporting emotional regulation, sensory integration and physical development in a peaceful, responsive environment.