Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 February 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 February 2013. It was answered by Edward Timpson (Conservative) on Monday, 4 March 2013 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Swimming

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn to swim.

[145765]

Answer: The Government is committed to ensuring that swimming takes place in schools. Swimming is an important part of the national curriculum, which sets out that all pupils must be taught to swim at least 25 metres unaided, and be able to use recognised swimming strokes by the end of Key Stage 2 (age 11). It also requires that a child can demonstrate an understanding of water safety. The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), has said that swimming will remain compulsory in the national curriculum following the current review.

Secondary information