press release: Swimming Teachers' Association (STA)
STA Safeguarding programme for aquatic professionals awarded CIMSPA endorsement and CPD points
STA is pleased to announce that its Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk CPD has been endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) against both the Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Safeguarding Adults technical specialism professional standards.
The CPD has also been awarded 3 CIMSPA CPD points, providing aquatic professionals with recognised continuing professional development that supports best practice and professional standards across the sector.
Aquatic professionals occupy a unique position of trust, working with learners of all ages, including children, young people and adults who may be at risk. The purpose of the CPD is to develop knowledge and awareness of safeguarding, helping professionals create safe, supportive and enjoyable learning environments while understanding their responsibilities to protect those in their care.
Suitable for a wide range of aquatic professionals, including baby and pre-school swimming teachers, swimming teachers, disability swimming teachers, tutors, pool snorkelling instructors, aquacise instructors, poolside helpers and swimming assistants, the programme provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
The approximately three-hour online programme covers safeguarding myths, legislation and statutory guidance, roles and responsibilities, recognising different forms of abuse and neglect, social media considerations, dealing with incidents or disclosures, safer recruitment procedures and safeguarding best practice.
In addition to being available as a standalone CPD, the exact same safeguarding programme forms part of the blended learning element of STA's Swimming Teaching Qualification (STQ). This means learners completing either route benefit from the same CIMSPA-endorsed safeguarding training.
Jodie Davis, STA’s aquatics qualification development officer and designated safeguarding officer, said: "Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility for everyone working in aquatics. Whether teaching babies, children, adults or individuals with additional needs, professionals must have the confidence and knowledge to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and help create environments where learners feel safe and supported.
"We are delighted that this CPD has been endorsed by CIMSPA against both safeguarding technical specialism professional standards. The endorsement provides additional reassurance to employers and learners that the programme delivers high-quality, relevant training that supports professional practice and helps raise safeguarding standards across the aquatic sector.”
Delivered through STA's online learning platform, the CPD offers flexible, self-paced learning that can be completed around existing work commitments. The programme is valid for three years and awards learners 3 CIMSPA CPD points on successful completion.
For further information about STA's Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk CPD and wider professional development opportunities, visit Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk – Safety Training Awards
Zoe Cooper, commercial director
Kayle Brightwell, director of education
Brett Preston, director of digital services
Stuart Tanfield, finance director
Its qualifications and memberships support individual swimming teachers, schools and organisations delivering aquatic programmes.
There will be a continued focus on expanding CPD provision with specialist partners, enhancing digital learning and improving accessibility to training.
STA will also progress charity initiatives to support recruitment within the aquatic workforce, including bursary programmes and outreach activity, while strengthening its work in inclusion, disability swimming and community engagement.
– Andrew Clark, national sport & aquatics manager, GLL
– Stuart Dickinson, quality development and apprenticeship manager, Virgin Active
– Kelly Gaffney, head of people and culture, swim@
