Question reference: S6W-17620
- Date lodged: 2 May 2023
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 17 May 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to making the provision of swimming lessons to children a statutory requirement.
Answer
There is no mandatory curriculum within Scottish schools. Local authorities have the flexibility to decide upon the content of their lessons, taking account of the needs and circumstances of children and young people in attendance at their schools. This also applies to PE lessons.
We nonetheless recognise the significant physical and mental health benefits that physical activity brings and believe that every child should be given the opportunity to learn to swim. Swimming is a life skill. We have therefore been working with Scottish Swimming, Education Scotland, sportScotland and Scottish Water to pilot bespoke interventions and approaches within local areas to provide opportunities for more children to become confident, safer and competent swimmers.