Our Classes
Baby
Babies can start to learn to swim at any time from birth, and water confidence begins from the very first lesson. The goal for this age group is taking the wonderful natural reflexes that babies are born with and turning them into conscious choices. For example, babies are born knowing how to hold their breath under water - they have spent nine months doing it - as such they can go under water from birth. One of the goals is to take this reflex and through repetition and positive reinforcement turn it in to a choice to hold their breath under water. The best way to teach anything at this age is to make it fun and engaging through exploring all the senses. The lessons are gentle, musical, and allow variation in each childs ability and progression.
Older Baby
Once a child's gross motor skills have developed to the point of toddling, the classes begin to focus on their new abilities. The child's understanding of their body in space allows them to begin to actively kick and move their arms in a way reminiscent of the future strokes they will learn. They are also more active and inquisitive, and the lessons take this in to account and become more physically minded. There are lots of games and singing, and the opportunity to explore their burgeoning autonomy. The common themes of confidence and safety continue to be reinforced.
Toddler
This age as I'm sure any toddler parent will tell you is about autonomy. As such, choice factors highly in to the lessons, are they are adaptable depending on the child's mood during any given lesson! The lessons focus on allowing them to move away from the parent whilst remaining safe on floatation devices. If the child is willing to dive, the children are encouraged to explore underwater independently. The children continue to develop their stroke and breathing techniques for the future. This is all delivered in a fun and exciting format that maintains engagement.
Preschool
At preschool age, children are really coming to understand the world in a more cognitive way, and as such can be taught to move their bodies in ways that are not purely reflex based. We teach the key principles of buoyancy, correct arm, leg and breathing techniques, and longer forays in to independent float free swimming. Exploring under water terrain can be a fun activity at their own pace, and helps increase the lung capacity needed in the future. As always, at the core of everything we do, fun and happiness continue guide the lessons.
1:1
There is no specific age at which children are ready for 1:1 lessons. The core requirements are the ability to listen and follow instructions, and the willingness to be with just the teacher in the water. These lessons range in physical ability from just learning to get your face wet to 20 lengths of independent butterfly stroke. The lesson is 20 minutes long and intensive. Whilst everything is done in a positive and nurturing manner, the focus is less play based and the progress can much more rapid.
Bespoke
There is time set aside each day for those that may require something a little more customised. From twins, sensory processing issues, phobias, and additional needs to those that would like to trial a 1:1 session or would benefit from a family group session. We will try and accommodate all requests providing the fall within our safety guidelines. Please call to discuss your needs.
Adult
Whether you are learning to swim for the first time, looking to build strength and confidence, or perfect your technique, we have 1:1 sessions available through the afternoon and evening subject to availability. We have significant experience working with phobias and teaching swimming to adults with additional needs. The lessons remain positive and nurturing as always, although typically with a little less singing, unless you want to!