Swimming lesson terms and conditions
The University of Portsmouth Department of Sport and Recreation wants you and your child to enjoy and make the most of our sport facilities. To ensure you know your rights and responsibilities when using our swimming lessons, our sport facilities and it’s services it is important that you read and understand this Agreement.
1. Teaching policies, procedures and parental responsibilities
1.1 All swimming teachers are qualified (Swim England/STA) and DBS-checked.
1.2 Teachers are responsible for pupils for the duration of the lesson only.
1.3 University of Portsmouth Swim Academy staff will not take pupils to the toilet.
1.4 A parent/guardian must remain on site for the duration of the lesson.
1.5 Children must not enter the water until instructed to do so by a Swim Academy instructor.
1.6 Changing cubicles are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Users are not allowed to reserve a cubicle for themselves or others at any time. Please ensure that once you have finished using a cubicle, all belongings are removed so somebody else can use it.
1.7 Pupils must be dropped off and collected promptly at their lesson.
1.8 This activity operates in line with the University of Portsmouth’s Safeguarding Policy. Staff are trained in safeguarding and will act in accordance with procedures if concerns about a child’s welfare arise.
2. Health & Wellbeing
2.1 Do not attend lessons if your child is unwell.
2.2 Children must not swim for at least 14 days after recovering from diarrhoea.
2.3 Open wounds, plasters, or recent illnesses may require a short break from lessons for safety reasons.
2.4 Any medical conditions, allergies, or additional support needs must be disclosed at the time of registration and updated as needed.
2.5 Parents/guardians must disclose all relevant medical, behavioural, or additional needs (e.g. allergies, epilepsy, autism, ADHD) at registration. This enables staff to make any necessary adjustments to keep your child safe.
2.6 All swimmers must shower before entering the pool and use the toilet beforehand.
3. Lesson Structure
3.1 Most lessons are 30 minutes (some advanced or adult lessons may be longer).
3.2 Group sizes follow Swim England guidelines.
3.3 Classes may be merged at short notice if needed.
4. Dress Code and Hygiene
4.1 Appropriate, snug-fitting swimwear is required. No baggy trunks or costumes.
4.2 No jewellery (except medical/religious bands if they don’t interfere with the lesson).
4.3 Goggles are allowed unless they cause distraction or interfere with skills practice.
4.4 All swimmers must shower before entering the pool and use the toilet beforehand.
4.5 No food or drink (except water) is permitted in the changing rooms or on poolside.
4.6 No flotation devices or toys are permitted unless provided or approved by the instructor.
4.7 Swim hats are issued upon joining. Replacements can be bought at reception. Hat-wearing is strongly recommended unless medically advised otherwise.
5. Progression
5.1 All pupils follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework.
5.2 Teachers continuously assess progress.
5.3 Pupils move up when criteria are met and space is available.
5.4 Regular attendance is important to ensure progress through the swim stages
5.5 Parents are notified by email or via the Home Portal.
5.6 A valid email is required to access Home Portal and updates.
6. Payments
6.1 Lessons must be paid for in advance.
6.2 New joiners pay a pro-rata fee for lessons before the first Direct Debit.
6.3 To cancel, email swim-lessons@port.ac.uk with at least one full calendar month’s notice.
6.4 Failure to give notice may result in recovery action for missed payments.
6.5 Prices may change with 10 working days’ notice.
6.6 Missed or failed payments may result in suspension from lessons.
6.7 The monthly fee covers one lesson per week (total 50 per year).
7. Changing Lesson Time
7.1 Requests for changes in time, day, or teacher will be considered depending on availability.
7.2 Progression rates vary per individual.
8. Cancellations & Pool Closures
8.1 You will be contacted via email or phone in the event of pool closures.
8.2 If the centre cancels a lesson (e.g., due to maintenance or staff illness), a credit or catch-up session may be offered.
8.3 If your class is cancelled due to low numbers, you will be offered an alternative.
9. Missed Lessons
9.1 No refunds for missed lessons or withdrawals.
9.2 Refunds for medical reasons may be considered with official documentation.
10. Teaching Staff
10.1 We aim to keep teaching staff consistent but may use cover teachers when necessary.
10.2 Classes may be combined in rare cases where no cover is available.
11. Communication
11.1 All communication should go through the Swim Academy admin team, not directly with teachers during lessons.
11.2 Please update us with changes to emergency contact information or health needs promptly.
11.3 For progression queries, use the Swim Lesson email.
11.4 A valid email is essential for updates and communications.
12. Viewing
12.1 Parents/guardians must stay in the designated viewing areas. Poolside access is strictly for preschool lessons only or children who have additional needs
12.2 For safety and lesson continuity, please avoid approaching instructors during lessons.
12.3 No filming or photography allowed on poolside or in changing areas
13. Behaviour
13.1 Teachers have the right to remove a pupil who is disruptive or unsafe.
13.2 Respectful and inclusive conduct is expected from all swimmers, parents, and guardians
13.2 Persistent disruption may result in removal from the programme without a refund.
14. Liability
14.1 The University of Portsmouth’s liability pursuant to these terms and conditions is limited, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to the fees paid by the user. The University does not accept liability for loss or damage to personal belongings brought into the swimming pool facility.