Newsroom Archive

10 by 10 encourages children to try ten activities that will help them to discover new talents and opportunities before the age of ten. Through the council, schools and other local partners, new offers are continually being developed and added, including those accessible to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. 

The free swimming lessons are provided by Telford & Wrekin Council to children living in the  borough aged between five and 10 years who are unable to swim 10 meters on their front and back. Each child is eligible for a free block of lessons. 

Mum Zoe from Telford commented: “Telford & Wrekin’s 10 by 10 programme has been such a fantastic experience for Ivy-Rose. She has progressed from a non-swimmer to level two by attending the swimming lessons provided by the council. Her confidence in the water has improved so rapidly, and she can't wait to get into the pool and water slides on the family holiday this year!” 

This offer will be available over the next two years and will be delivered through the council’s Swim4Life programme.  The lessons are delivered across the four pools in the borough; Abraham Darby Sports and Leisure Centre. Newport Swimming and Fitness Centre, Oakengates Leisure Centre and Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre.  

Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Shaun Davies (Labour) said: “First of all a huge congratulations to Ivy-Rose on learning to swim – this is a huge achievement and one we hope you are very proud of. This is exactly what 10 by 10 is about and that is learning new skills and talents.  I am delighted that in less than a six months so many children have already started their swimming lesson journey. There are 2,000 free swimming places available so I would encourage parents to continue to sign up so they can be added to the waiting list.”

The 10 by 10 activities ten year olds are encouraged to try are to:

• Join in competitive sports

• Play an instrument

• Learn to swim

• Take part in drama and performing arts

• Visit the seaside and the countryside

• Experience museums, galleries and heritage sites

• Take part in camping trips and overnight residential

• Learn to ride a bike

• Take part in debating

• Use a library

Councillor Shirley Reynolds (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

"There are ten activities children should try before they are ten to help them discover their talents and experience the world.  From learning to swim to stepping back in time at a local museum, a happy childhood is full of new experiences like these. 

“Swimming is a fantastic life skill, not only does it help your child enjoy the water, but it can also help prevent drowning, develop fine motor skills and encourage a healthy lifestyle. 

"It's through these experiences that children can discover their talents and opportunities they might not realise they had. We don't want children in our borough to miss out on these opportunities during their primary school life.  That's why we are working with schools and partners to put together this comprehensive and diverse range of activities to boost children's learning – many are free. Whether through taking part in activities at school or by finding local offers on the new website, we hope your child can try as many 10 by 10 activities as possible."

Parents interested in finding out more about the offer can visit the 10 by 10 swimming online.

Find out more about the 10 by 10 programme.