Swimming Coach

Closing Date - Wednesday 17 April 2024 at 9am

Interview Date - Monday 22 April 2024

Start Date - September 2024

Core Hours - Full Time, with occasional evenings and weekends

Salary - £16 - £20 per hour, depending on experience

Benefits of working at our school

The Blue Coat School is a diverse and vibrant community. We pride ourselves on cultivating a staff community who are innovative and dynamic teachers, knowledgeable and passionate support staff, and creative, forward-thinking leaders.

All staff have access to a range of benefits including ongoing CPD, a delicious free lunch each day during term time, remuneration on school fees, access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, use of fitness facilities including a school pool, social and wellbeing events and free on-site parking.

Support Staff are enrolled into a direct contribution pension scheme with generous employer contributions and associated benefits.

Post Overview

With first rate swimming and sports facilities on site, The Blue Coat School is unique in offering a tailored swimming programme to over 500 children from Reception to Year 6. The core offering focuses on developing confidence and enjoyment in the sport. In addition, the school is committed to competing on a national scale in IAPS and ESSA swimming competitions, as well as supporting individual swimmers in accessing local swimming clubs and performance groups so that they fulfil their potential. In recent years, the school has hosted the IAPS Regional Qualifiers, and our BCS swimmers regularly qualify for the National Finals at the London Aquatic Centre. 

The successful applicant will be expected to teach swimming to all year groups throughout the School.

Applications are welcome from candidates with or without QTS.

Qualifications/Professional Development

• Swimming, Lifeguard and paediatric First Aid qualifications are essential.
• Specialist qualifications in other sports would be desirable.
• Commitment to develop as a reflective practitioner and evidence of recent involvement in relevant professional development.

Knowledge and experience

• Coaching experience.
• Excellent knowledge of progression in swimming and key skills from age 5 to 11, in line with Swim England requirements.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of a range of coaching techniques and teaching and learning styles for pupils with a range of abilities and needs.
• Awareness of Safeguarding, Health and Safety issues relevant to children aged 5-11.
• Competitive swimming experience to a high level would be desirable.

Skills

• Ability to use variety of teaching methods, differentiating to meet all needs and to stretch the most able.
• Ability to plan lessons and squad practice which motivate and inspire pupils and take into account their development and progression..
• Excellent pupil management, with the ability to maintain a calm and safe pool environment.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Empathy when working with others.
• Ability to complete administrative tasks accurately and to deliver to a deadline.
• Integrated and innovative approach to the use of ICT in teaching and administration.

Personal attributes

• Flexibility to work occasional weekend and after school hours to support with representation at galas and competitions.
• Infectious enthusiasm and passion for teaching.
• A professional manner and appearance.
• Friendly, warm personality with excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to work co-operatively.
• Clear communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a year group team.
• Sympathy with the Christian ethos and activities of the school.
• Wholehearted commitment to the life of a vibrant school.

A full job description and person specification for the post can be viewed in the Information Booklet.

All members of staff are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to, and ensure compliance with, the School’s child protection procedures and staff guidance at all times.

Original certificates will be required as proof of qualification. All other attributes will be assessed using the contents of the application form, at interview and with the professional references.

Application forms, together with a supporting letter addressed to the Headmaster, Mr Noel Neeson, should be returned to recruitment@thebluecoatschool.com by 9am on Wednesday 17 April 2024. Interviews will take place on Monday 22nd April 2024.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to teach an observed curriculum swimming lesson and/or squad session, and attend a formal interview. There will also be an opportunity to tour the school on the day.

At interview applicants must provide original documents to confirm their identity and right to work in the UK. They must also bring proof of qualifications where relevant for the post. The documentation required by applicants is listed in the Recruitment Policy which is available on the school website and from the School.

The post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (including a Barred List check), a satisfactory online check, a satisfactory medical fitness declaration and satisfactory references. Confidential references will be sought prior to interview.

The Blue Coat School is an equal opportunity employer.

Please note, we reserve the right to close posts and commence interviews at any time, once we have received sufficient applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.