To consider taking my children out of school an hour early once a week so that they can go to a swimming lesson?

[PineNutsAreOverpriced]

Just that really. Year 4 twins and a year 6. Weren’t strong swimmers before lockdown and still aren’t now - although they can mostly stay afloat there is still a lot of doggy paddling going on especially from the younger ones.

Previous swimming teacher has moved away. All local teachers and swimming schools are full up after school for lessons and have waiting lists for “sometime in 2022”

But I could get them into a lesson at 2.30pm during the week, on a day I am not working. I can get them there if I pick up at 2.15pm (school finishes at 3pm)

I think I probably would be unreasonable but am considering this.

School does not provide swimming lessons for the year 4s - there was a week course (one session a day) for my year 6 at the beginning of the year but that will be it for the year.

I’m not sure how the head will react if I ask.

Also, we do take them swimming as a family but can’t seem to get them to take it seriously the way they did with lessons. One has dyspraxia and tends to hang off me in the pool, which doesn’t help the situation.

I don't think it's unreasonable for you to consider it, but I doubt school would agree . Although it's similar to when DS learned musical instrument at school and misses part of one of his lessons to do this ...... Its one of those things though that if school agreed
It for you it's setting a precedent for other DC and where there are families who have persistent non-attendance are being taken to court, not sure school could justify.

I work in a private school, we’d absolutely allow this. Every year I’ve had at least one child who goes for private sports coaching during the school day, and one missed an afternoon a week for extra music lessons in the run up to an exam. Don’t see how this is different.

None of the state schools I worked in would have been keen mind.

@Pinkfluffyunicornsandrainbows

Well they are your children so the school can't really stop you

Of course they can. Going to school is a legal requirement.

I imagine it would be unapproved and you'd get a hefty fine. Imagine if every parent wanted to do this.

Of course you can't do this.

Isn't that blatantly obvious?

@Wtf86

I think ask OP! If it helps my kids are at a private prep and they have an hour of swimming a week in their daily timetable!

I doubt that your experience of what happens at your children’s private prep school would help the OP. She said it’s not happening at hers and that’s what the problem is.

Well @EishetChayil - if you have a look through the responses you’ll find that a few who already are doing it, so perhaps not so blatantly obvious after all.

And thank you @TankFlyBoss - I am going to speak to the head about it, she is approachable and a conversation won’t hurt. Maybe just one term could be even considered, while they are on the waiting list for a better time slot.

Missing 45 minutes a week for swimming lessons is nothing. Children miss more for music lessons. Most children need more exercise, and this is one way to ensure it.

@Warmduscher chill! What I’m saying is it’s in their timetable so why shouldn’t it be in other children’s there is a state school near us that have a pool (my kids used to have lessons there) and those kids swim during their timetable.

[quote Wtf86]@Warmduscher chill! What I’m saying is it’s in their timetable so why shouldn’t it be in other children’s there is a state school near us that have a pool (my kids used to have lessons there) and those kids swim during their timetable.[/quote]
“Chill”?

I don’t think the OP’s school has a pool but maybe they do and she just forgot to mention it.

The reason state schools don’t have the same curriculum as private schools is obvious, I would have thought.

A private school might allow this
I don't know any state schools that would

It's quite a disruptive thing to do weekly to child's education as teachers plan for the whole day, and disruptive for the school.

The school day is the hours that they are and you fit swimming lessons around it.
If you can't find weekend or spaces in later after school lessons , then book up to do an intensive weeks swimming course during the holidays and take your child swimming for fun at weekends.

I'm really surprised at this original post and the whole thread