Swimming lessons for children with all abilities, special educational needs and disabilities at Havant Pool

Horizon Leisure told the News “At Horizon Leisure, we’re passionate about making swimming accessible for everyone. That’s why we’ve partnered with Swim England, the sport’s governing body, to enhance our swimming programme for both children and adult learners. As a charitable trust operating the leisure facilities in Havant, we’re committed to providing high-quality, inclusive swim lessons that help build confidence, skills and a lifelong love of the water.

“As part of our new Swim England framework, we’re excited to introduce specialist one-to-one SEND swim lessons, designed to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

“Swimming is more than just a sport, it’s a life skill that builds confidence, independence and safety in the water. It is our vision to be the swim school of choice for every parent.”

What to expect from our SEND swimming lessons

- One-to-one weekly lessons, tailored to individual needs

- 20 minutes of pool time per lesson, plus transition support

- A parent/guardian poolside to help ease the process

- Autism Swim-approved syllabus alongside the Swim England framework

- Lesson focus on sensory support and drowning prevention

Meet the specialist teacher

Horizon Leisure’s dedicated, expert swimming instructor, Abi, has specialist certification from both the STA (Swimming Teachers Association) and Autism Swim, giving her the skills to support children with Autism, ADHD and additional needs. She’ll take the time to understand each swimmer’s strengths, challenges and triggers, ensuring a positive and safe experience in the water.

How to get started and what happens next!

If you are interested, please first email the team at [email protected]

· They will get back in touch and arrange a tour to meet swimming teacher Abi, see the pool and confirm the best lesson time.

· Parents or carers then complete an enrolment form, sharing key details about the young person’s needs and strengths.

· Horizon will then create a personalised support plan, including a custom social story board to help the swimmer prepare for their lesson.

· Horizon can also organise a trial swim lesson, if required.

Michael Davies, Aquatics Manager at Horizon Leisure says: “We’ve listened to our community and we’re proud to start offering our SEND lessons this month, with plans to expand even further.

“We are passionate that swimming should be inclusive for all, and being disabled or having special educational needs should not stop someone from learning to swim. Our personalised one-to-one approach will give our young people the best opportunity to learn to swim and to enjoy the freedom of the water.”

To enquire, contact the Horizon Swim School today.

You can find out more about Horizon Leisure facilities here