
This beginners swimming unit includes 12 fully planned PE lessons designed to introduce pupils to key water safety and swimming skills. Ideal for KS1 and lower KS2, each lesson focuses on building confidence, technique and stamina through structured progression. The resource includes clear learning objectives, success criteria, teaching input, differentiated activities, and plenary guidance.
What’s Included:
✔ 12 detailed swimming lesson plans (PDF format)
✔ Clear learning objectives and success criteria for every lesson
✔ Warm-up, main activity, teaching points, differentiation and plenary
✔ Guidance on equipment and preparation
✔ Low-prep format suitable for PE teachers and non-specialists
Lesson Overview / Structure:
★ Lesson 1 – Moving Through Water
L.O: Use a range of movements in water while keeping balance and following a partner.
★ Lesson 2 – Floating and Creating Shapes
L.O: Lift feet off the pool floor and float using different body positions.
★ Lesson 3 – Hand Pulls
L.O: Move forward in water using hand movements with feet off the floor.
★ Lesson 4 – Confidence with Water
L.O: Place face in the water and blow bubbles while holding breath.
★ Lesson 5 – Front Floating
L.O: Float on front and return to a standing position safely.
★ Lesson 6 – Back Floating
L.O: Float on back and return to standing with control.
★ Lesson 7 – Kicking on Back with Float
L.O: Swim short distances on the back using correct leg kicks.
★ Lesson 8 – Push and Glide
L.O: Push from the side of the pool and glide confidently.
★ Lesson 9 – Back Sculling
L.O: Use sculling technique to swim on the back without a float.
★ Lesson 10 – Doggy Paddle Technique
L.O: Swim short distances on the front using doggy paddle action.
★ Lesson 11 – Glide into Stroke
L.O: Transition from gliding into swimming actions on front and back.
★ Lesson 12 – Distance Swimming
L.O: Swim sustained distances on front and back with control.
Why It’s Useful:
✔ Fully sequenced unit with progressive skill development
✔ Suitable for non-specialist teachers delivering swimming lessons
✔ Includes differentiation to support varying abilities
✔ Encourages water confidence, safety and technique
Suggested Use Cases:
Ideal for KS1 and lower KS2 PE lessons, swimming units, or sports premium-funded sessions. Suitable for indoor or outdoor pool settings with instructor support.
Search Tags:
KS1 swimming lessons | KS2 PE planning | swimming unit for beginners | doggy paddle technique | PE lesson plans water safety | outstanding PE resource | school swimming KS1 | KS2 swimming 12 week plan | float and glide swimming KS1
Something went wrong, please try again later.
This resource hasn't been reviewed yet
To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it
to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions.
Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.