G & T

[Worz]

Hi Guys

I am new to Mumsnet so forgive me if this subject has already been thrashed to death!

I have a 5 year old daughter who is showing a particular strength in swimming, she is in year 1 and the school swimming teacher says that she is stronger than most of the children in year 6. I wonder if anyone has a child with a similar strength and does anyone know if a primary school would/should recognise her skill as a 'talent' and provide her with addition support?

thanks
Worz

I don't really know, but I'd be surprised if they did.
I would expect them to see it as they would hope to get many of the children swimming to 25m (or whatever it is) during the school lessons.
Maybe they'll take her with a higher year group?

My DD swims great as we live near water and made sure she was swimming as early as possible. I'm not expecting her to get a lot out of the school lessons which start soon.
But I don't mind. She can swim well and I'm happy with that, and any time in the pool should be fun and all add to confidence etc.
But I am more concerned that she's safe and happy, rather than competing though.

You'd be unlikely to get anything from a school.
Best bet would be a local swimming club, they often like to nurture and coach promising youngsters. Hoever they may still think she's too young at 5.

thanks for your comments.

We are fortunate in that the school she is at has its own pool so all the children have lessons from foundation onwards. She does also have lessons at our local pool too, we have had to let her have one-on-one lessons with the instructor as in the group classes she wasn't happy as the other children were age 9/10 and she felt awkward being the 'baby' (as one of the lads called her).

She is now in ASA stage 5 and obtained her 200m badge at Christmas, I think you could both be right, I don't think the school will do much for her which is a shame as she loves swimmming and all the time she keen to do more I would like to milk it, if you know what I mean, who knows how long it will last.

byee

Mmmmm but the school can't do everything.
Mind, Our primary school has an achievements board, or something like that, where kids can publicly display pictures and certificates about things they have achieved away from school. Competition wins, activities, etc.

My dd swims for the national swimming team. I would recommend that you look for a good local swimming club - they will have her at 5 - no problem if she is good, and even if she isn't they would take her and teach her.

If you are in the UK, look at the ASA website - swimming.org. You can then find out where the best swimming clubs are in your area.

In my experience, school swimming is a waste of time. Because my dd could swim a length, they stopped her going after a term - they aren't interested in encouraging them to be better and faster, just meeting some arbitrary target or other.

I would join a swimming club and she will end up finding other dcs who are closer in age. My ds is a good swimmer too, he has just got his 400m and at his swimming club he swims with 6 and 7 year olds so although he is the smallest, its not that noticable.

My ds is 6 and has got his ASA9 and 800 metres distance this term, but unfortunately our local swimming club won't do anything at all until children are 8 years old. It's difficult to know what to do - I don't want to seem pushy with him, but it means another 18 months before he can do anything a bit more competitive. Carry on with the badges, I suppose!

My DD (5.3yrs old) is about to do her ASA5...also has 200m badge. Her swim teacher would like her to join the local club, but they wont take her until she is 7. She has 2 years to wait. In that time her interest will probably be elsewhere. We'll stick to lessons and take it week by week. If she still loves swimming then we'll look at the club. Right now, I'm just glad she can swim and enjoys it.