Swim England - Neurodiverse Sport / Swim England

Swim England is delighted to announce a new strategic partnership with Neurodiverse Sport (NdS), designed to strengthen neuro‑inclusive practice across aquatics. 

Through a two‑year, test‑and‑learn programme, Swim England and NdS will explore and pilot context‑specific approaches to neuro‑inclusion within aquatic settings. Informed by evidence, lived experience and long‑term action research, the partnership builds on the NdS and Sport England Blueprint to Neuro‑Inclusion to deepen understanding of what works, for whom and why, across the participation and sport system. The work recognises that neuro‑inclusive practice must respond to people, places and experiences, with approaches shaped by practitioner insight and the unique sensory, social and environmental contexts of aquatics. 

Caragh McMurtry, Co-Founder and CEO, Neurodiverse Sport CIC said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Swim England for the trust they’ve placed in Neurodiverse Sport and for their openness to learning alongside us. Neuroinclusion is never about a single solution - it’s about understanding people, environments and experiences, and being willing to keep listening, testing and adapting. This partnership gives us a real opportunity to centre lived experience, build meaningful insight, and work overtime to shape approaches that truly reflect the sensory, social and emotional realities of aquatic spaces. We’re excited to take this next step together and to learn what genuinely helps neurodivergent people feel safe, supported and able to thrive in and around the water.” 

First phase of work: building insight to support inclusive swimming lessons 

As the first phase of this partnership, Swim England and NdS will undertake new insight work in 2026 to better understand how neurodiversity is experienced and supported within mainstream swimming lessons. 

Recent Swim England research has revealed the growing prevalence of neurodiversity as a key challenge for swimming teachers. Teacher shave expressed that, as many as four in ten children in a swimming lesson could be considered neurodivergent, with this information not always known or shared in advance by parents or carers. 

Certain forms of neurodiversity can involve sensory sensitivities that may be heightened in pool environments, including loud noises, bright lighting and busy spaces. Swimming teachers have highlighted a need for greater support, guidance and practical resources to help them respond effectively within group lesson settings. This is particularly important in reducing reliance on one‑to‑one provision, which can be costly and may result in children missing out on regular swimming opportunities altogether. 

To build a clearer picture of these experiences, Swim England and NdS will carry out two national surveys - one with parents and carers, and one with swimming teachers - alongside a programme of in‑depth interviews with teachers. The insight gathered will inform practical recommendations to better support neurodivergent learners and the professionals teaching them, with the aim of making swimming lessons inclusive, safe, and accessible for all. 

Strategic alignment 

This collaboration aligns closely with the One Swim England strategy, reinforcing Swim England’s commitment to serving the sector and creating great experiences in, on and around water. By leading national projects with key partners, Swim England aims to strengthen inclusive practice across the sport system and support organisations to better understand, engage and respond to diverse audiences.  

By listening to neurodivergent people and embedding their voices into decision‑making and delivery, the partnership seeks to drive meaningful change that improves access, belonging and sustained engagement in aquatic activity. 

“This partnership with Neurodiverse Sport is an important step in helping us better understand how neurodiversity is experienced within swimming lessons and where the sector needs more support,” said Alex Barrett, National Participation and Growth Manager at Swim England. 

“By working together to build robust insight and evidence, we can develop practical learning that we will share with the sector to support swimming teachers, schools and providers. This work will directly inform our wider learn to swim review and help ensure that swimming opportunities are inclusive, positive and accessible for all.” 

Ultimately, this work is about great experiences - how people feel when they arrive, participate and belong in aquatic environments. Through this partnership and wider collaborations, Swim England is helping to shape a more inclusive, responsive and resilient participation and sport system, where neurodivergent people can thrive in, on and around water. 

Get involved

Are you a parent, carer or swimming teacher involved in a learn to swim programme? Take part in the survey before Monday 23 February 2026 and help shape more inclusive swimming lessons:  

👉 Teachers - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/swimteacher  
👉 Parents - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/swimparents 

 Organisations and partners with access to these audiences are also encouraged to share the surveys through their networks and channels to help ensure a wide and representative range of voices are heard.