At The Standen Swim Academy, inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn to swim, feel safe in the water and experience the confidence, freedom and enjoyment that swimming can bring.

We understand that traditional swimming lessons and busy pool environments do not suit every swimmer. Our aim is to work with each individual and their family or carer to create an environment in which they feel safe, understood and able to progress at their own pace.

Our Head of SEN Provision

Our Head of SEN Provision, Vikki Townsend, has extensive experience working with children and adults with additional needs.

Her experience and training includes:

• Over 15 years’ experience supporting children and adults with SEN
• Fluent use of Makaton Sign Language
• PECS training
• Autism Awareness training
• Speech and Language training
• More than 10 years working within SEN schools and charities supporting children and adults with additional needs

Vikki uses her knowledge and experience to help shape our SEN provision and provides in-house training and guidance to our wider teaching team.

Small Classes & Private Lessons

Across our swimming programme, we offer exceptionally small class sizes, with a maximum of just three swimmers in our group lessons for swimmers aged 3+.

For swimmers who would benefit from a more individual approach, we also offer private 1:1 and 1:2 swimming lessons.

We recognise, however, that for some swimmers even a small group environment can feel overwhelming. The noise, movement, echoes, spectators, other swimmers and general activity around a swimming pool can create additional barriers to learning.

For these swimmers, we can offer an even more individual approach.

Who Can Access Our SEN Provision?

Our provision is available to both children and adults.

A formal diagnosis is not required to contact us or discuss whether our lessons may be suitable. We are happy to speak with any family or individual who feels they may benefit from a smaller class, private lesson or quieter swimming environment.

If you are unsure which type of lesson would be most suitable, please get in touch. We can discuss your swimmer's needs and help you explore the most appropriate option.

We would love to hear from families, carers, schools, charities and organisations looking for a more individual and understanding approach to swimming.

Please contact The Standen Swim Academy to discuss how we can support your swimmer.

Exclusive Private Pool SEN Swimming Sessions

We are now offering specialist daytime swimming sessions at our private Three Oaks pool for swimmers who may find a busy pool environment overwhelming or who would benefit from a quieter, calmer and more controlled setting.

During these sessions, families can book exclusive private use of the pool alongside a swimming lesson.

There are no other swimming lessons taking place in the pool at the same time.

No large groups.

No busy poolside.

No pressure to keep up with others.

Just the swimmer, their teacher and the space they need to learn at their own pace.

Exclusive sessions are available at

Durley Manor between 4pm - 7pm on Wednesday

Three Oaks between 12:00pm and 1:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Flexible Goals

Our SEN swimming provision does not have to be focused solely on progressing through traditional swimming stages.

Goals can include:

• Water confidence
• Water safety and self-rescue skills
• Enjoying movement in the water
• Building trust with a swimming teacher
• Developing independence
• Improving strength, coordination and mobility
• Learning to float and regain standing
• Developing swimming technique
• Preparing for family holidays or swimming with school
• Simply learning to enjoy being in the water

Funding & Professional Referrals

We welcome enquiries from families who have funding available for swimming lessons or activities, including those who may be able to access support through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), personal budget or other individual funding arrangement.

As funding arrangements vary, families should check with their relevant school, local authority, social care team or funding provider to confirm whether swimming lessons can be funded in their individual circumstances.

We also welcome enquiries and referrals from SENCOs, schools, local authorities, charities, support groups, social care professionals and other organisations supporting children and adults with additional needs.