1. Policy Statement

Balfour Swimming School is committed to creating an environment where everyone is welcome, treated fairly, and able to participate fully in swimming regardless of:

• age

• disability

• sex

• gender identity

• race or ethnicity

• religion or belief

• sexual orientation

• pregnancy or maternity

• socio‑economic background

• family circumstances

We promote equality, celebrate diversity, and actively challenge discrimination.

 

 2. Legal Framework

This policy is based on:

• Equality Act 2010

• Swim England Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Guidance

• UK GDPR

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

We recognise our duty to make reasonable adjustments and remove barriers to participation.

 

3. Our Commitments

We commit to:

• Treating everyone with dignity and respect

• Providing inclusive swimming opportunities

• Challenging discrimination, bullying or harassment

• Making reasonable adjustments for disabled swimmers

• Ensuring fair access to lessons and activities

• Promoting positive role modelling

• Ensuring staff and volunteers receive EDI training

 

4. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

• swimmers

• parents and guardians

• coaches

• volunteers

• directors

• visitors

• contractors

Everyone has a responsibility to uphold EDI principles.

 

5. Inclusive Practice in Swimming

We ensure inclusion by:

• adapting activities to suit different abilities

• offering additional support for swimmers with SEND

• using clear, accessible communication

• respecting cultural and religious needs (e.g., modesty swimwear)

• providing equal opportunities for progression

• ensuring poolside behaviour is respectful and inclusive

 

6. Preventing Discrimination

We do not tolerate:

• discrimination

• harassment

• bullying

• victimisation

• exclusionary behaviour

• racist, sexist, homophobic or ableist language

Any such behaviour will be addressed under the Code of Conduct and Complaints Policy.

 

7. Reasonable Adjustments

We will make reasonable adjustments to support participation, such as:

• modified teaching approaches

• additional supervision

• adapted equipment

• flexible lesson structures

• sensory‑friendly approaches

• communication aids

Parents are encouraged to share relevant information so we can plan effectively.

 

 8. Supporting Disabled Swimmers

We follow Swim England’s “Inclusion in Swimming” guidance and commit to:

• assessing individual needs

• working with parents and professionals

• ensuring safe access to the pool

• adapting teaching methods

• providing additional support where required

 

9. Cultural & Religious Inclusion

We respect and accommodate:

• modest swimwear

• prayer requirements

• cultural sensitivities

• gender‑specific needs (where possible within pool rules)

We aim to create a welcoming environment for all families.

 

10. Staff & Volunteer Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers must:

• treat everyone fairly

• challenge inappropriate behaviour

• report concerns to the DSL or Directors

• complete safeguarding and EDI training

• follow the Code of Conduct

 

11. Reporting EDI Concerns

Concerns about discrimination, exclusion, or unfair treatment can be raised through:

• Lead Coach

• Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Complaints Officer

See the Complaints Policy for full process.

All concerns will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.

 

12. Monitoring & Review

We monitor EDI by:

• reviewing participation data

• gathering feedback from parents and swimmers

• reviewing complaints and incidents

• assessing accessibility of our programmes

This policy will be reviewed:

• annually

• after any EDI‑related incident

• when legislation or guidance changes