Teachers will be offered free swimming instruction lessons to help improve childrens’ aquatic skills.   

Teachers at 43 primary schools will be given the chance to gain an Amateur Swimming Association Module 1 qualification, enabling them to teach and assess key stage one and two children as part of their curriculum.

It is being funded by the Merton School Sport Partnership, Greenwich Leisure Ltd and Harris Academy Merton, a Mitcham based academy school which specialises in sport.

Nicola Ryan, Merton Council’s school sport partnership director, said: "Although many schools are already participating in swimming lessons, this strategy seeks to formally assess pupils and ensure that our schools are reaching the recommended Ofsted standard.

"The strategy will also provide guidance and recommendations, and help teachers ensure their pupils are confident swimmers".