Swim Coach - Fast Hire

Our Purpose at The Alice Smith School

According to the words of our school song: ‘Soon there were two, who were joined by a few’. Alice Smith started a movement with just two people. That single brave act sparked a positive chain reaction. She inspired other families to join her on her journey, creating a nurturing environment for generations of learners and a home away from home for thousands of families.

In that same vein, we keep the Alice Smith spirit alive by building a nurturing community that encourages our students to explore the world with courage, curiosity and compassion. 

To build a better world together.

Our purpose is embedded through our three strategic pillars:

Our People

We are a diverse collective of experts and curious minds, working together to push the boundaries of education to lead learning for an ever-changing world.

Our Students

We encourage students to explore different paths with courage and curiosity, in an environment that empowers them to make an impact as their best self.

Our World

We are a supportive, connected community that innovates, explores and learns together.

The Opportunity (Overview of the role)

The Swim Coach provides a professional standard of assistance for the Head of Primary PE in the delivery of curriculum swimming lessons and KLASS Lions Swim Team EPAs (Exploration Pathway Activities). They will provide support through a variety of methods as decided in consultation with the Head of Primary PE. They will ensure that students are supported in their learning, by planning, reporting and delivering high-quality differentiated lessons and sessions for the groups they lead. They will provide administrative support to the Head of Primary PE where necessary and will have a large role in coordinating and monitoring the swimming pool facilities and equipment.

Responsibilities/duties:

1. Swimming lessons and ECAs:

● To plan and deliver lessons/sessions ensuring adherence to the scheme of work/seasonal plan and lesson/session plans.

● Integration of the Swim England/Equiv Learn to Swim programme reward scheme into lessons.

● Ensure safe provision of all equipment and ensure it is used correctly.

● Make sure safety standards are followed at all times in lessons and undertake risk assessments.

● Identify students’ abilities and encourage them to reach their full potential.

● Plan and deliver sessions/ lessons appropriate to the level of the swimmer.

● Provide up-to-date explanations and demonstrate swimming techniques.

● Correct faults in swimming techniques and identify ways to improve performance.

● To be a positive role model, creating a positive and fun environment in which to motivate and encourage children to participate in swimming.

● To ensure compliance by the students with all swimming safety rules and regulations of the school by effectively monitoring behaviour to avoid untoward incidents under any and all circumstances, and to ensure that all these regulations are strictly adhered to by the students as a matter of safety.

● To keep a daily register of all students taking swimming lessons/sessions and to ensure that all are properly accounted for before, during and after the lessons/sessions.

● Evaluate lessons and give appropriate regular feedback.

● Regularly assess each student’s ability and progress and arrange for the award of the appropriate stage in lessons and groupings.

● Attend Parent Teacher Meetings to share the progress of students as well as create reports in line with the school policy reporting systems.

● Attend regular meetings with the Head of Primary PE, as and when necessary.

● To agree to abide by the code of conduct and carry out duties in accordance with KLASS site policies, including equal opportunities, safeguarding children, health and safety at work etc.

● To take on coaching and supervisory responsibilities within EPAs, in particular the KLASS Lions Swim Team where you will be responsible for coaching a squad of swimmers, as directed by the Head of Primary PE.

● To complete any other swimming or PE-related duties and/or administrative duties as may be directed by the Head of Primary PE in accordance with school policies and department rules, regulations and guidelines.

● To take on supervisory responsibilities, in local, regional and overseas fixtures and competitions within swimming and wider sports. On occasion, these will be during weekends.

2. Administrative Support:

● To provide administrative assistance in the day-to-day running of the swimming programme, as directed by the Head of Primary PE.

● To plan, deliver and be part of any redesign of the curriculum and lessons/sessions ensuring adherence to the scheme of work/seasonal plan and lesson/session plans.

● Integration of the Swim England Learn to Swim programme/ equiv reward scheme into swimming lessons.

● To keep a daily register of all students taking swimming lessons/sessions and to ensure that all are properly accounted for before, during and after the lessons/sessions.

● Regularly assess each student’s ability and progress and arrange for the award of the appropriate stage in lessons and groupings.

● To accurately record and report assessment data for the progress of students in swimming lessons and EPA Lions Swim Team squad training sessions, including their behaviour and other concerts.

● To support and lead (as appropriate) with entries for swim meets and assist the Head Swim Coach (Primary Campus) with other arrangements as required.

● Assist with maintenance and production of display material (both electronic and paper) for the swimming pool and PE/Sport areas as required.

● Attend and participate in relevant meetings, parent meetings/consultation evenings and community events as required or requested.

● To participate in the school's professional development programme and be willing to learn and improve.

● To work with the swimming and PE department in the development of ICT based resources, e-learning and a virtual curriculum for swimming/PE lessons.

● To provide appropriate support for the technical maintenance of Swimming and PE facilities, resources and equipment, including pool maintenance.

Other:

● To act as a lifeguard, as may be required, depending on the operational needs or school activities.

● Any other suitable and reasonable duty as specified by the Head of Primary PE.

Safe Recruitment Practices:

As a school with a diverse collective of experts, we uphold recruitment protocols that adhere to the highest possible international standards. We conduct thorough pre-employment checks on candidate references and verify qualifications. If you require further information regarding the School's 'Pre-Appointment Checks,' please liaise with our People and Culture representative, as the process may vary for individuals of different nationalities.

We prioritise the careful scrutiny of checks as they are essential in ensuring a safe and secure environment for our students. By maintaining stringent recruitment practices, we aim to provide a nurturing and protected learning environment for all our students.

The duties and responsibilities of this post may vary from time to time according to the changing demands of the school. This job description may be reviewed at the reasonable discretion of the Head of School and school leadership in the light of those changing requirements and in consultation with the post holder.

Selection Criteria (Only required when hiring):

● Ability to work independently and a willingness to lead when necessary.

● Communication skills including good spoken, and excellent written English.

● Maintain positive interactions with the wider school community.

● Education/coaching experience in swimming is essential.

● Education/coaching qualifications within swimming are essential.

● An in-date LifeGuard and First Aid certification is desirable.

● Knowledge of a range of aquatics activities, not just swimming is desirable.

● Experience working with children in schools and clubs.

● Experience supervising children on residential school trips.

● To maintain good and harmonious professional relationships with colleagues, parents and children.

● Good knowledge of main ICT packages & Hytek Team Manager/Meet Manager.

● Be willing to learn and embrace creativity, innovation and the use of appropriate new technologies to achieve excellence.

● Work with others to create and develop a shared culture and positive climate throughout the curriculum and ECAs.