Children's Academy Code of Conduct
Swimwear, Goggles and Swim Hats
From 1st September 2026 all children over the age of 4 years should be wearing a swimming hat for lessons. Exceptions will be made for those with sensory and SEND needs on record, please contact the office for disclosures and support needs.
Goggles should be worn by all swimmers who need them. New Starters and Beginners do not need these for first classes, and teachers will let parents know if they could begin to benefit from them in lessons.
Boys swim shorts should be fitted. Please note that baggy board shorts are not permitted in lessons.
Girls swimwear should also be fitted. Please note that bikinis are not permitted in lessons and girls should be wearing either a standard fitted swimsuit or a fitted rash vest type top and bottoms.
Rash vests and wetsuits may be worn but care should be taken that children can move freely and these do not hinder arm and leg movements.
Arrival and Changing
Please do not arrive for lessons more than 10 minutes before the start time of the class and changing after lessons should be no longer than 10minutes.
All children in lessons should have showered, have hats and goggles fitted where applicable and be ready to start at the class time, so this does not delay the start of the lesson. Instructors are not responsible for putting on hats and goggles for children as this delays the start of class. Children not ready for class may be sent back to their grown up for help with this, or grown ups may be asked to come to the lesson poolside to help get them ready.
All children in lessons leaving to go to the toilet must be supervised by their parent/carer at all times, and the instructor notified before they leave and also before they return to the lesson. Please be vigilant on poolside, as teachers will notify you if a child is leaving class for this reason.
Changing
An adult taking a child/ren under the age of 8 years in to the changing rooms must use the changing room that applies to the adult only.
Once children are 8 years old or be able to change without supervision before this age, they should independently enter the appropriate changing room for them.
All children aged 9 years and over, and adults, must only use the changing room appropriate for them and no others should be entered at any point.
If you need any assistance with this or you have SEN requirements on file for your child that may require further supervision, please do not hesitate to ask the Oxford Swimming Academy office directly.
A changing mat is provided for use should you require it for younger siblings spectating. Please ensure this is returned to poolside after use.
Health and Safety
All jewellery/hair clips/watches should be removed before entering the water. Plasters should also be removed before entering the water.
Earrings should be removed before class, or small flat studs covered by a swimming hat. Please note teachers will ask children to return to their grown ups on poolside
to remove items if not suitable for lessons.
All outdoor shoes should be removed in the changing rooms and no outdoor shoes should be worn poolside.
Food and Drink
Chewing Gum must not be used by children in class, and should be disposed of in the bins provided before entering poolside.
Only water in plastic bottles should be consumed at pools, glass bottles are not permitted.
Swimmers must not eat at least 1 hour before the start time of their lesson. Food of any kind is not permitted poolside or in the changing rooms.
Supervision, Spectating and Poolside access
All children (under the age of 16) must have a parent/guardian at the venue at all times and they are responsible for their child if they need to leave the pool for any reason and during all times outside of lessons.
All spectators should be sat/stood on the opposite side to the changing rooms along the length of poolside. There is no spectating permitted from the shallow end of the pool or from the area next to the shallow end door to ensure clear pathways and clear teaching spaces.
Please note that apart from children joining or leaving their class, the shallow end of the pool (the area to the left on entry poolside from the changing rooms) has no access for parents and spectators. All access to the changing rooms/spectating area is via the deep end access (to the right upon entry out of the changing rooms)
Photography/Videography
Please note that photos or videos are not permitted of any classes at any time. This also includes the use of FaceTime or WhatsApp type apps or video calls.
Health
For the health and safety of all swimmers and teachers, swimming should not take place if your child has the following:
Ear Infections, Conjunctivitis, Impetigo, Covid, Temperatures, Hand Foot and Mouth, Scarlet Fever or Heavy Colds where children are struggling to breathe normally.
Children recovering from Chicken Pox should only resume lessons once healthy (well and no temperature) and only once spots are scabbed over.
Sickness and Diarrhoea - No classes should be attended for at least 48hours after the last case of sickness and/or diarrhoea. If you have food poisoning or a stomach bug with symptoms lasting longer than 48hours, swimming should only resume 7 days after the last case of sickness and/or diarrhoea.
If you are in any doubt on any health issues about whether it is safe to swim, please contact your GP before allowing your child to return to lessons.
Finally ..
For any other questions please don't hesitate to contact the office, and we will be happy to help. We hope you enjoy lessons!