Overview
The 1st4sport Level 2 Diploma in Coaching Learn to Swim (QCF) is awarded by 1st4sport Qualifications and has been developed in partnership with the National Source Group for Swimming, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA). This qualification is not currently available in Scotland.
The 1st4sport Level 2 Diploma in Coaching Learn to Swim (QCF) is regulated at Level 2 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and forms part of the ASA’s coach education programme. For further information on the regulated status of the 1st4sport Level 2 Diploma in Coaching Learn to Swim (QCF), please log on to The Register of Regulated Qualifications website. For further information on the UKCC, visit the sports coach UK website.
Criteria
If you are over 17 years of age and have completed one of the following:
- ASA Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Aquatics (QCF) – 600/2075/1
or
- ASA Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Swimming (QCF) – 600/2013/1
or prior to 2011:
- ASA Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Aquatics – 500/3024/3
- ASA Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Swimming – 500/2228/3
and have an opportunity to develop your coaching skills in the workplace, then the 1st4sport Level 2 Diploma in Coaching Learn to Swim (QCF) is designed for you.
Why Study?
It forms part of a structured and progressive programme of sports coaching and other related qualifications, offering you access and involvement in introducing others to the skills of aquatics.
What can I use it for?
Learners achieving this qualification might consider employment in one of the following roles:
- Learn to Swim Teacher
- Learn to Swim Coach
- Sports Development Officer
- Sports Leader.
They might also consider progression on to other Level 2 discipline-specific coaching qualifications in areas such as diving, water polo or synchronised swimming. Following an appropriate period of practice they might also consider enrolling for a programme leading to an ASA Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Swimming.
Many of the skills of coaching are transferable across sports, particularly for those with the appropriate technical experience.
Outline
On successful completion of the 1st4sport Level 2 Diploma in Coaching Learn to Swim (QCF) you should be able to:
- understand how to develop participants through coaching sport
- understand the fundamentals of coaching sport
- understand the fundamentals of child development in aquatics
- understand the principles of safe and equitable coaching practice
- plan a series of Learn to Swim coaching sessions in the workplace
- prepare the Learn to Swim coaching workplace
- deliver a series of Learn to Swim coaching sessions in the workplace
- monitor and evaluate Learn to Swim coaching sessions in the workplace
- practise emergency first aid skills
- understand health and safety at training and competition venues
- understand child protection theory
- understand and practise effective teamwork in active leisure
- give and receive feedback.
How will my learning programme be structured?
Learning programmes and the workplace experience for this qualification will be designed by the recognised centre that delivers the qualification. Programmes may vary in length and format. Depending on your needs, centres can offer intensive courses, or a series of learning and assessment events, over a period of weeks. Whatever the timescale, all learning programmes should include the following phases:
- an induction to the qualification and your programme of learning and assessment
- a learning programme that meets your needs, focusing on the theory and practice of coaching
- a programme of assessment, including observations of your coaching in the workplace by an appropriately qualified assessor.
At the end of the programme, you will be provided with formal feedback on your performance and an action plan for your further development.
Assessment
The 1st4sport Level 2 Diploma in Coaching Learn to Swim (QCF) requires that you complete all 13 units of the qualification through assessment in the workplace over a period of time coaching on Learn to Swim programmes.
Fees
Recognised centres offering this qualification determine their own fees, and they will vary from centre to centre. The fees charged should entitle you to a programme of learning and assessment, registration and certification for the qualification, a 1st4sport Learner Pack and an appropriate learning resource. For further information on the costs of courses, please contact a recognised centre. Opportunities for funding may be available via a recognised centre, if you are eligible.
Next Steps
The qualification is delivered by 1st4sport recognised centres, not all of which offer open courses to members of the public. Your first port of call to access a course should be the appropriate governing body of sport.
For information on where to access the 1st4sport Level 2 Diploma in Coaching Learn to Swim (QCF), or for more information on the sport of aquatics, please contact:
The ASA
Sportpark
3 Oakwood Drive
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3QF
Website: www.swimming.org
