Swimming lessons for Wandsworth kids on free meals

Free swimming lessons will be offered to Wandsworth children on free school meals from April.

The pilot scheme will see lessons offered during the school holidays so that children are not priced out of the opportunity to learn to swim. Lessons will be for primary school children in Years 5, 6 and 7 (ages 9-12) in receipt of free school meals.

Families can register an interest now for five days of 30-minute intensive swimming lessons at the leisure centres in Balham in Elmfield Road, Latchmere in Burns Road, Tooting in Greaves Place and Putney in Dryburgh Road.

The free lessons are in addition to free gym and swimming sessions at council leisure and sports centres offered in association with Places Leisure and Enable.

They are available for people on Universal Credit and some other benefits, and young people up to 18 on free school meals.

Judi Gasser, cabinet member for environment, said: “We want to build a fairer Wandsworth, breaking down the boundaries that stop people getting the services, opportunities and support they need, putting investment in where it’s needed and ensuring access for all.

“Everyone should learn to swim and we are determined that no-one should be priced out of lessons. We’re delighted that, together with Places Leisure, all our young people can learn this crucial skill.”

Pictured top: Putney Leisure Centre (Picture: Google Street View)