Thanks to Opening Schools Facilities funding (OSF), Shenfield High School have been able to re-open their swimming pool for both school and community use. In 2023, Shenfield High School closed with immediate effect due to safety issues within the facility. This had a major impact on children’s involvement in school’s lessons, after school clubs and hiring out to external providers, resulting in financial loss for the school.
Through OSF funding, Shenfield High School have purchased a new circulation pump and dosing system for the pool plant room, new lane ropes have been installed alongside new access ladders. These vital replacements have enabled the pool to reopen and introduce a SEND swimming club after school on a Friday. By also purchasing specialist pool toys/learning aids, the most vulnerable students have the chance to experience physical activity in a safe environment. The OSF funding has enabled other primary schools in Essex to take advantage of the pool too, by being able to host Panathlon inclusive swimming opportunities.
Without the OSF funding enabling the pool to reopen, the school wouldn’t have been able to offer the space to our students to train in ahead of reaching the National Swimming Finals for the first time.
The swimming pool is now open 7 days a week, with lessons, after school clubs, competitions and training sessions all being hosted on sight. As a result of the funding, Shenfield High School have had 159 children and young people engage in swimming activities since March 2023.
Fiona Arnold, School Games Organiser and Shenfield High School PE Teacher said;
“Active Essex have been a huge support in this project – without their support we would not have been able to reopen the pool and provide the opportunities for the hundreds of children that are benefiting from this facility. From where we were a year ago to now, it is amazing we can now open our facility 7 days a week and host so many swimming opportunities for our local community. Without the funding of OSF, our pupil Lucas would not have been awarded Active Essex’s Move With Us ‘Move Maker’ award for his service to breaking down barriers relating to swimming for people with disabilities.”
The swimming pool has become a haven at the school, providing equal access to swimming opportunities in the community. Children that struggle to access sport are now able to access a safe and fun environment. Local Primary Schools can access the site again and Shenfield High School hope they can continue to support schools, clubs, and community groups to enable more children to achieve their 25metres mark.
Tom Weller, Senior Children and Young People Projects Officer at Active Essex said;
“The OSF programme has had a huge impact at Shenfield High school and the swimming provision they offer to the Southwest of Essex. From the facility being closed in 2023, it is remarkable Shenfield High School’s swimming pool is accessible 7 days a week in providing safe, inclusive, and crucial swimming opportunities for children and young people. Through OSF funding, Shenfield High School have been able to develop strong relationships with local clubs, parents, and schools in helping provide crucial swimming provision to the Southwest Essex area.”
