Free Swimming Crash Courses

About the Programme

Funded by Burnley Council and delivered by Burnley Leisure and Culture, this programme provides free intensive swimming lessons for children who are unable to swim.

Across England, 26% of children start secondary school without being able to swim, rising significantly among disadvantaged groups. This programme aims to close that gap by providing accessible, high-quality swimming lessons to those who need them most.

The programme is open to families who may not be able to afford swimming lessons. Eligibility is not limited to those receiving benefits or free school meals, working families are strongly encouraged to take part if cost is a barrier.

Children will take part in free, intensive crash-course lessons, delivered by qualified instructors in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Our goal:
To build water confidence and help children develop essential, life-saving skills.

Please note that participation is available by referral only through partner organisations such as schools.

Submit a Referral Today

Help a child take their first step towards water confidence.

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Referral Form

Information that needs to be included is below – it is longer than normal due to the information we need to collect to support the funding evaluation.

Referral Details

School / Partner Organisation Name *

Referrer's Name *

First

Last

Referrer's Email *

Child / Young Person Details

Child's Name *

First

Last

Child's Date of Birth *

DD/MM/YYYY

Child's School *

Parent / Guardian Details

Parent / Guardian Name *

First

Last

Parent / Guardian Email *

If all access

Telephone Number *

Postcode *

Reason for Referral

Tick all that apply: *

• Family with children in household
• Family with disabled person in household
• Family with pension in household

Reason for Referral (please specify) *

Household Circumstances

Does the family recieve benefits? *

• Yes
• No

If yes, please specify type(s): *

• Universal Credit (UC)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Child
• Pension Credit
• Attendance Allowance (AA)
• Council Tax Support
• Carer’s Allowance
• Contribution-based Attendance Allowance (AA)
• Other (please specify below)

Please specify *

Parental Employment Status

Are parents: *

• Employed
• Not employed

If not employed, please tick all that apply *

• In full-time education
• Seeking employment
• Retired
• Unpaid carer
• Disabled
• Long term health condition

Preferred Location

Checkboxes *

• St Peter’s Leisure Centre
• Padiham Leisure Centre

Please specify any additional support required: (e.g. access to swimwear, SEND requirements, accessibility needs) *

If nothing required, please put N/A.

Submit