Hello to all,

Next year i am due to work with a child going in to Y3. He is wheelchair bound to get around and is degrading to the extent in a few years he may not be able to feel his legs at all.

I may well be asked next year to go swimming with his class, and asked about entering the pool with this boy to help him.

I am slightly nervous about this and seek any advice from other TA's who may of shared the same situation before. What role do i need to play and do i really need to go in the pool in just "shorts".

Thanks,

Male TA

hi and welcome

ask at the pool about dress code as they may allow you to wear a t shirt as well, also you may need to check you are insured etc to do this with the child. Im sure it will be a good experience for him though

when you say degrading do you mean the condition is degenerating? the swimming may well be good for him also then to build muscle strength

the best thing is to ask the teacher (and parents if you have any contact with them) to find out what the basics are etc and def check with the school/lea about any insurance and liability for your own protection

im sure other members with some experience wil be along to offer ideas and advice too

We go into the pool with children that need extra help, although if they have a severe disability a parent often comes in too. It may be that one of his parents is willing to come along and work with you and the pupil. Don't worry about being in a costume, the others will be far too busy swimming to think about you.

Hi

I work with a young girl who has severe physical needs and when we entered into year 3 we went swimming...eeek was the first thought in my mind but we had a fantastic time even though i think between us we swallowed enough water to fill the pool! lol

I had to go in to support her as otherwise she wouldnt have been able to access swimming. I called in the help of the SEN team from the education authority and they came with me for the first couple of times to guide and support.

As for clothing...i had a swimsuit on and shorts, didnt fancy the tshirt as i needed as much mobility as possible especially when working with her.

I would speak to the swimming teacher from the pool and ask them about what they will be doing and how you could be best used to assist him and also to look at access issues (ours was a wonderful nightmare especially when the lift broke whilst we where on it wet through!)

I am sure it will be fine and you both will have lots of fun!

Em

Remember to tell them why you are putting your hands where you are putting them.

For instance " my hand is supporting your stomache" etc.

I used to wear shorts over my costume

We had a child who spends most of the day in callipers, and sometimes in a wheelchair when she is tired, have swimming lessons in Y3.

She and 2 other non swimmers had their own male instructor - he was in shorts and teeshirt.

Incidentally the instructor of more able swimmers is Karen Legg, one of our bronze medal winners from 2000 Olympics - how lucky we are!

Hello explorations

I work 1 to 1 with a child who although not in a wheelchair cannot walk unaided and before the summer break I went swimming with her. Luckily she was only reception at the time but big for her age! I have to say it was jolly hard work and very bad for my back.

All the other children were given lessons by proper instructers but my poor wee lass just got me. Hardest of all was getting her changed (before and after). If you can have help be sure to take it especially as your child is older and presumably heavier...

Good luck!