Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department plans to review statutory swimming and water safety requirements as part of the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
Minister of Education: Swimming is currently a statutory element of the Physical Education curriculum, with Key Stage 2 provision supporting basic swimming competence and water safety skills. The curriculum promotes safe behaviours and awareness of risks in different environments.
The new statutory curriculum framework provides clearer specification on water safety, including how pupils can recognise danger in different settings (such as beaches, lakes and waterways).
The public consultation on the framework concluded on 30 September and responses are being analysed. The findings will inform the further development and refinement of the curriculum frameworks, including subject-specific content, with targeted engagement to explore particular issues in greater depth where required.
ENDS
