Swimming lessons at mainstream need advice

[kafkesque]

Will the Occupational Therapist be teaching DS to swim? I doubt it! It will be a waste of money if not as he has proprioceptive and vestibular problems. We have been spent hundreds of pounds and several types of special needs teachers over nearly four years with no result. Now he has a chance to go swimming with school.

It's doubtful if the TA will even go in with Ds at this stage!

I would have thought as there is some OT provision in Statement (not specifically for swimming though-we are at tribunal stage for provision) the OT should have some input-otherwise it's not fit for purpose? As well as TA still being his 1:1 must they do swimming with him? What do you think? Am I being unreasonable to expect this from an inclusive school?

What are the rules or should I dig out his Statement?

I look forward to hearing from you,

Unless the statement says that he must have OT input for swimming, then there's nothing to make them do it. It's a curriculum subject and they're not going to know how this impacts on him, necessarily. Have you raised concerns with the school or the OT?

Again, if your TA is specified as 1:1 for the whole school week, for the whole school day (32.5 hours) then yes, he should have 1:1 support for swimming.

If, however, the provision is not specified and quantified in this way, and their risk assessment is that he is able to be in water safely, then they don't have to give 1:1 support.

Is this a matter of 'he won't learn to swim unless....' or is it a matter of 'he won't like being in the water because....' or 'he will be unsafe without 1:1 support'? How you deal with it may depend on the answer.

Thanks for your reply.

'he won't learn to swim unless....' his proprioception and vestibular senses are accommodated as they are 'a barrier to his learning'.

I am hoping this part of his statement (under sensory processing needs...so he can fully access the curriculum...) covers swimming as well: "The class teacher will review DS's sensory diet with the relevant professionals and adjust it as necessary to take into account of Ds's progress and changing needs."

I am hoping this is one instance where a woolly statement can help DS.

DH thinks 'he will be unsafe without 1:1 support'

I will raise concerns with the school or the OT just working out my plan of action before I do. They are very slippery so I usually don't do anything without consulting mumsnet first.

this is what the head teacher said:

"Our next step is to do a thorough risk assessment regarding DS and swimming before deciding how to proceed.
Within this we will consult with the appropriate professionals to make the right choices for DS and the school."

Sounds reasonable, kafkesque.