DD and school swimming lessons

[ChitterChatter1987]

DD is only 7.5, year 3, potential ADHD,but is due to start swimming lessons after Xmas.This was abit of a shock as I thought they would be maybe y5 or y6 when doing this!
She is keen to go and i hate the thought of her missing out, but i have some reservations....

1. organisation- obviously teachers can't help her get showered, changed and dry etc due to safeguarding, but I'm worried about her capabilities doing all the steps of this herself.
2. Safety in the pool- we used to take her to swimming lessons but stopped as she really struggled to listen and not mess about.I used to watch at the side but I'm concerned if not one person is completely watching her she may not be effectively supervised.
3. She is petrified of the toilets there as they have automatic flushes, and she won't use them. I can send a radar key for the disabled one without a AF for her to use (this is what we do) but I just hope there's no issues with that plan.

I'm also abit concerned as there's a really strict teacher there and don't want her teaching DD.
I know i can't go along due to safeguarding rules and work, and to be honest i want DD to be allowed independence and wouldn't want to embarrass her being the only parent there, but can anyone help ease my anxieties??
I'm fine with normal school trips but swimming pools scare me....there was a little girl died at a swimming pool party at a pool near me some years back due to lack of supervision, and I just really worry with there being quite afew kids about them taking their eyes off DD....I feel it's alot to trust someone with.

This is a completely understandable worry, but you absolutely should let her go. Ask for a meeting with her teacher because some of these do need to be raised.

Changing - if you have concerns about her independence, you can ask whether an adult will be able to help. I've done swimming trips with various schools, and their approach will vary. But in all of them, children who need support will be supported. The towels might be wet from being dropped on the floor, and socks will be inside out, but no child would be left in their swimsuit all day.

Safety - her teacher or another adult will be watching from the side. They will presumably be aware about DD's listening skills and will keep a particular eye on her (though not 1:1)

Toilets- discuss this with the teacher, but it sounds like a good solution. The swimming lessons are only short, so it's probably less likely she'll use the toilet there. You could ask for her to be encouraged to use the school toilet before leaving, to reduce the chance she'll need it (which will help the teacher, as the faff of taking her to the disabled toilet will likely be worth avoiding).

Pool parties are so different to swimming lessons and are far more dangerous. The swimming lesson will be tightly supervised and highly structured, at a high ratio.

One thing to know is a teacher or TA could get in the pool with DD if it is needed. We've had this scenario quite a few times at my current school.

Thanks so much for your response! I'm planning to speak to the teacher at parent's evening to hopefully allay some concerns.
It's the supervision thing I'm most worried about but they are aware of her potential diagnosis and on board with realising the difficulties associated, so I'm hoping they will bear that all in mind.
Hate the thought of her sitting in a classroom on her own whilst all the others go just cause of 'what ifs' ...couldn't do that to her as she would rightfully probably resent me for that forever! And would hate to see her missing out and being excluded.
I had alot of Post natal anxiety after having her which I've come a long way with after having CBT when she was a toddler and gradually seeing her enjoy her independence, but me and DH still feel anxious sometimes, especially with her SEN.

@Thisismynewusernamedoyoulikeit‘s post is excellent.

Definitely speak to the school. If your concerns are not allayed by the teacher, speak to the SENCO. Staff can help DC change if it is necessary. Do you know if pupils get showered afterwards? In lots of schools, DC don’t shower afterwards because there isn’t time.