I’m not at all surprised to read Jon Slater’s article about poor achievement in swimming. Our junior school has just closed its heated indoor pool because it cannot afford repairs - it was that or a teacher’s salary.
Children in Year 3 used to swim each week and Y4-6 on alternate weeks. They also had lessons on water safety. Now only Y4 will swim. They will travel to the nearest leisure centre, for one term only.
Sadly, there is money to destroy the pool and refurbish the building for another purpose as this money comes out of a different fund. Saddest of all, the head who instigated the building of this school pool 20 years ago did so in response to the fact that one of his pupils had drowned during the summer holidays.
Anna Taylor
Oaks Avenue Worcester Park, Surrey
