Teacher/Coach Licensing

As a qualified teacher or coach in Scotland you have the opportunity to apply for a Scottish Swimming Licence.

This is not currently mandatory – it is something that Scottish Swimming recommends employers, including clubs and local authorities, adopt. It is the best way that swimming teachers and coaches can demonstrate that they are competent, up to date and committed to continuous improvement.

  • If you are an existing qualified teacher/coach, you are invited by Scottish Swimming to apply for a licence at the level at which you are currently certificated.
  • If you pass a qualification, Scottish Swimming will invite you, by sending you an application form, to apply for a license at the level at which you have just gained your certificate.
  • Upon receipt of the application, Scottish Swimming will process your information.
  • If a licence is granted, it will either be a probationary licence i.e. you have achieved the mandatory requirements only, or a full licence i.e. you have achieved both the mandatory and elective requirements.
  • A licence lasts for three years.
  • You will be sent a reminder to renew your licence by Scottish Swimming six months before the end of your current licence period.
  • If a licence is not granted, you will receive a letter explaining why it has not been granted and what needs to be done to achieve a licence at the level at which you are certificated.
  • Once licensed, you will be able to demonstrate to your current and future employers the following benefits:

 

The Benefits
The benefits of licensing are:

  • Provides proof of competence.
  • A summary statement of qualifications and experience.
  • Provides some protection for children through Disclosure Scotland checks.
  • Helps to promote high standards for teaching and coaching.
  • Provides a framework for continuous improvement and CPD.
  • Assists employers and clubs in the selection of teachers and coaches.
  • Provides for a separation of qualified and unqualified staff.
  • Acts as a catalyst for implementing change.
  • Commits the holder to uphold the code of ethics in swimming
  • Provides external credibility for the profession and for the governing bodies of swimming.
  • Is part of a regulated and developing career structure

 

The Cost
Teacher and Coach licensing will be free to those teachers and coaches in membership of Scottish Swimming, Institute of Swimming (IOS) and the British Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (BSCTA), otherwise the cost will be £45.

Probationary Licence
On the first occasion, Teachers or Coaches will be able to gain either a Probationary Licence (i.e. meet all the mandatory criteria) with three years to upgrade to a full licence (i.e. meet all the mandatory criteria and required electives). A probationary licence will only be granted for one three year period, after which only a full licence must be applied for.

Further licence information and application forms can be downloaded from the UKCC downloads section of the website.