FAQ's

What is the ASA?

The Amateur Swimming Association, is the National Governing Body for Swimming in England, the disciplines include: Swimming,Diving, Water Polo, Open Water and Synchronised Swimming
The ASA organises competitions throughout England, establishes the laws of the sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for teachers, coaches and officials.

What is the NPTS?

It is the 'National syllabus' produced by the ASA to assist and support the delivery of swimming lessons.
It is a single pathway for Swimmers to learn how to be competent and confident in the water
It is a 'multi skill' programme for swimmers to learn how to swim and be proficient (competent) in water for them to then make the choice to continue to participate in any aquatic sports later on.. such as Competitive Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Rookie Lifesaving.

What Awards or Stages are included in the NPTS?

The NPTS includes Foundation Phase( Adult & Child, Pre School Lessons).
The Core, FUNdamental Movement skills are NPTS Stages 1-7. These deliver the fundamentals of learning to swim, developing water confidence and correct stroke techniques.
The Sport Specific Skills are the discipline specific Stages 8 - 10. These provide options to other aquatic disciplines such as Diving, Water Polo, Synchronised Swimming, Rookie Lifeguards etc
Each class will have a number of additional Awards for swimmers to achieve.

What happens after a Swimmer has completed ALL Stages of the NPTS?

We will offer other aquatic sessions that a Swimmer may be interested in. These will develop other skills and help towards keeping fit.
There may be Clubs who operate in your locality, which may offer activities that Swimmers can progress into if they are interested in Competitive Swimming or other aquatic activities.

When does a Swimmer Achieve an Award?

A Swimmer must achieve ALL outcomes consistently for that Stage before they have achieved an Award.
The outcomes MUST BE performed to a standard that is stipulated by the ASA and included in the NPTS Resources that the Instructors are using.

When does a Swimmer progress into the next Group?

Continuous assessments will still take place
Normally pupils can move up to the next group when they have achieved an NPTS Stage, even if it is in the middle of a block of lessons.

Why might Swimmers be playing Games instead of swimming widths/lengths?

To learn how to swim, pupils need to master skills that will help them float, breathe and move around in the water.
Through games, swimmers have FUN and learn important skills. If swimmers are having FUN they enjoy what they are doing and often learn faster.
The NPTS has a multi skills approach so all skills that are learnt lead to development of a competent and confident swimmer, who is safe and happy in the water.

What is LTAD and What are the long-term benefits of LTAD?

LTAD refers to ' Long Term Athlete Development'.
LTAD is a clear pathway of development for an Athlete, in this case 'a Swimmer'. There are 5 stages to LTAD, and the initial ' Learn to Swim' is all about FUNdamentals.
Growth is rapid due to the development of large muscle groups in a child, and therefore the emphasis should be on developing basic movement literacy and fundamental movement skills in all sports/activities.
In order to develop basic movement literacy successfully, there should be participation in a wide range activities hence the FUNdamental, multi-skill approach in delivering the NPTS syllabus.

Is there any literature that can be read on the NPTS?

A Parents Guide specific to the NPTS is available. It is available from the ASA www.britishswimming.org

When is the change?

Will my lesson be at the same time?

At this stage we cannot guarantee your current time of lesson but as you will probably be aware these already change from course to course.

How long will it take for swimmers to achieve each Stage?

This will vary with every child. If a child has the experience of pre - school or adult and child sessions then he/she may move faster initially through the NPTS Stages 1 & 2 as they will be familiar with the environment and possibly confident in the water.

Is the ASA teaching plan right for me or my child?

Yes! Any scheme operated by the governing body is seen as the 'ultimate' system to operate. It also provides a clear pathway into competitive swimming/aquatics for those with Olympic gold medals in mind!

What Happens Now?

Lessons will continue as normally for this term and pupils will be assessed for the new 'Stages'.

What about other courses?

As other National Governing Bodies update their programmes we will introduce their revised schemes in order that your child gets the best possible opportunities in their chosen sports.

Exciting times are ahead and the swimming lesson programme is about to get even better.