Building Confidence One Length at a Time

Trustees from the Oakland Foundation recently visited Pershore Leisure Centre to see first‑hand the impact of a funded school swimming initiative supporting children with anxiety, low confidence and additional learning or sensory needs is having.

Joining Headteacher at Abbey Park Primary School Rebecca Scully and PAL Fitness’ Sue Bentley, trustees were able to observe the programme in action, which enables selected pupils to attend the leisure centre weekly, where they take part in structured swimming sessions tailored to their individual needs.

Oakland Foundation trustee Peter Vaughan, Headteacher at Abbey Park Primary School Rebecca Scully, Sue Bentley from PAL Fitness and Foundation trustee Mark Williams.

Rebecca Scully, Headteacher Abbey Park Primary School commented: “We are thrilled to have received funding from the Oakland Foundation, which has supported our children, not only to develop confidence in water, but also to improve their self-esteem and wider confidence. To witness children who were initially very reluctant to get in the water, beam while swimming independently, is incredible. Thank you so much to Oakland Foundation for giving the children this opportunity.”

During the visit, trustees saw children thoroughly enjoying their time in the pool while also developing vital life skills. Crucially, the sessions support pupils to work towards achieving the national curriculum requirement of swimming 25 metres by the end of Key Stage 2, a milestone that can otherwise be challenging for some children.

Mark Williams, Trustee of the Oakland Foundation, said: “Swimming projects like this are about so much more than learning a physical skill. For many children, getting into the water, following instructions, and achieving small goals, has a huge impact, and builds confidence that can be truly transformative; confidence that ripples out into other areas of their lives, supporting emotional wellbeing, improving focus in the classroom and helping children feel more able to engage with learning and social situations.

“We’re proud to support a project that gives children the chance not only to meet curriculum requirements, but to grow, thrive and believe in themselves.”

The Oakland Foundation is committed to funding initiatives that create meaningful, long‑term impact for children and young people, particularly those facing barriers to participation. By supporting inclusive, early intervention programmes like this, the Foundation aims to help children develop the confidence, resilience and skills they need to flourish both in school and beyond.