Performance Swim Coach

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Ashford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashford School Swimming is seeking an experienced performance coach to join the coaching team at Ashford School. You will deliver structured sessions across four squads in both Prep and Senior School, aligning with Swim England frameworks and the LTAD pathway.

You will work closely with the Director of Swimming to maximise swimmer development, attend competitions, and contribute to the school's strategic priorities while maintaining the highest professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead and assist coaching across multiple squads.
• Deliver well-structured sessions within the Ashford School Swimming framework.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of competitive swimming and LTAD principles.
• Maintain high standards of safety, behaviour and safeguarding.

Job description

Purpose

To be a key member of the Ashford School Swimming performance coaching team. We are a forward-thinking and aspirational Swim England affiliated programme, with the aim of becoming an internationally recognised centre of swimming excellence. A clear framework has been designed to support and maximise development across all squads (four across both the Prep and Senior School) and you will be responsible for prescribing and delivering sessions across the breadth of these as required.

Accountable to

Director of Swimming

Context of the Role

Ashford School Swimming is building on the considerable progress made since restructuring in September 2022. With a rapidly growing reputation and significant increase in performance, we must ensure that the quantity and quality of coaching our swimmers require is in place. A well-coordinated, swimmer-centric approach is at the heart of the programme, where long-term potential and optimisation of individual performance is key.

Key Responsibilities

• Excellent subject knowledge.
• To effectively plan, lead and assist other coaches when required.
• Coach well-structured sessions within the constructs of the Ashford School Swimming framework.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of competitive swimming and the importance of LTAD.
• Commitment to setting high expectations that inspire, motivate and challenge, as well as adapting coaching methods to respond to individual strengths and needs.
• Commitment to managing behaviour effectively to establish a safe and positive learning environment.
• Strong IT skills for planning, learning, communication and assessment purposes.
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality and data protection.
• Adhere to and understand the School's Health and Safety requirements.
• Ensure the efficient and effective operation of sessions, including responsibility for equipment set-up and security where appropriate.
• Commitment to the School's Strategic Priorities and One School focus.
• Commitment to Continuing Professional Development.
• Commitment to consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct.
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are referred appropriately and in a timely manner in accordance with Ashford School and Swim England safeguarding policies.

Coaching

• Lead and/or assist across various squads as required, working closely with the Director of Swimming to provide the highest standards of provision.
• Deliver coaching excellence to maximise individual progress whilst adhering to the Ashford School Swimming framework.
• Attend competitions within the annual race calendar.
• Proactively identify swimmers who may benefit from transitioning between squads and communicate recommendations to the Director of Swimming.

Accountability & Leadership

• Lead and uphold the values and ethos of Ashford School Swimming and the wider School.
• Actively promote behavioural values and expectations amongst swimmers.
• Build professional relationships with the Swim Team and wider school staff.
• Work collaboratively to ensure swimmers are supported across all aspects of school life.
• Attend weekly department meetings.
• Take responsibility for the wellbeing of swimmers and raise concerns with relevant staff where appropriate.

Planning & Goal Setting

• Follow cyclical training plans set by the Director of Swimming.
• Lead and/or assist with goal-setting sessions.
• Consult with the Director of Swimming regarding training and squad guidelines.
• Identify and communicate competitions that may enhance the race calendar.
• Lead and/or attend race nights, time trials and team events.

Person Specification

• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the swimming programme.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a warm, approachable manner.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.
• Team player with the ability to understand the wider objectives of supporting competitive swimmers.
• Strong commitment to professionalism.
• Motivated and passionate about swimming and swimmer development.
• Perceptive in identifying swimming potential.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong organisational, administrative and time-management skills.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the School.
• Smart appearance (uniform provided).
• Relevant coaching qualifications.
• Current Pool Safety Award for Teachers, NPLQ, or the ability to obtain the qualification within six months of appointment.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS Check.

Standards of Performance

To be agreed in line with the School's appraisal system.

Salary

Competitive, based on qualifications and experience.

Location

Ashford School (Great Chart and East Hill).

Hours of Work

Variable. AM sessions between 6.30am and 8.00am. PM sessions between 4.00pm and 6.30pm. Weekend availability advantageous.