Swimming FAQs

That very much depends on the individual and how they react and respond to instructions and how quickly they are able to acquire the skills at each stage in the programme. Emphasis is placed on an individual gaining confidence by placing their face in the water and attaining the different core skills for each learn to swim stage. Swimmers will only be moved up a level once they have completed all the skills for each stage comfortably.

recommend booking in advance during evenings, weekends and holidays to avoid waiting. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability.

School swimming lessons do have some similarities to the learn to swim programme, but they do follow a different programme and criteria. School’s swimming lessons often have much larger groups and do not always focus on all the strokes. It would therefore be advisable to treat the school lessons as an addition to the swim school lessons, not a replacement.

No. Any child attending the swim school is not entitled to free swimming if attending with a paying adult to encourage them to visit the pool to practice their skills, however all under 11’s that live in the borough can book in advance to swim for free.

Sometimes, although this is normally only required for younger and less able swimmers, for example pre-school up to beginner.

For pre-school classes such as starfish and stanley (and potentially disability lessons), it is expected that a parent/carer attends the class and is in the water with their child/learner. Having a familiar face in the water with the child/learner will help them to gain water confidence and start to develop key skills.

Stage

Adult – Swimmer Ratio

Starfish

1 : 12

Stanley

1 : 12

Grade 1

1 : 8

Grade 2

1 : 12

Grade 3

1 : 12

Grade 4

1 : 12

Grade 5

1 : 20

Grade 6

1 : 20

Stage 7

1 : 20

Swim Squad

1 : 20

Adults

1 : 20

Disability

1 : 4

Swimming lessons will usually be 30-minutes in duration, although adult lessons, swim squad and junior lifeguard are for 45 minutes.

The swim school programme is delivered for 50 weeks of the year with a two-week break at Christmas.

All children/learners learn differently. If you feel your child/learner is not improving and you have given them a good amount of time to improve, feel free to contact the Swim School Lead by email to discuss your concerns, But remember with all learning practicing your skills during your own time will help too.

Occasionally, there may be a need for the swim school to cancel a lesson, for example there is a problem with the pool water. If this happens Replacement sessions will be offered.

In the event that a swimmer misses a lesson, unless extenuating circumstances for example illness that can be certified by a doctor, the lesson will be missed with no reimbursement made or an additional lesson added to the end of the course.

When swimmers have achieved a grade, the swim teacher will mark Course Pro as a move and this will inform parents / carers on the portal. The swim teacher will also inform the swimmer and parent / carer of the achievement. Parents can then speak to the reception to move their swimmer to the next grade before their next lesson.

Badges and certificates can be bought when a swimmer passes a grade. A badge and certificate can be purchased together or separately. The reception team will check Course Pro and then a badge / certificate can be purchased.

Swim nappies must be worn by all babies / toddlers who are not potty trained. A neoprene short sleeved wetsuit can be worn.

Add this information when enrolling your child and Email the Swim School Lead with any new medical conditions and they will update their profile on the system, Course Pro.

This list is not exhaustive, and some items of the kit can be optional.

• Towel
• Swimming cap
• Goggles
• Toiletries
• Hairbrush / comb
• Hair band / hair clip
• Water bottle
• Locker coin
• Flip flops / poolside shoes
• Snack for after.

You can start swimming at any age! Our programme caters for anyone of any age / ability.

• STAʼs Starfish series is designed to introduce babies to a water adventure where confidence and safety skills are introduced (we do recommend that their umbilical cord has come off before attending swimming)

• STA’s STAnley series is designed to teach children from 2 years basic swimming and water safety skills

• Grade 1 is aimed at school aged children and above (around 4 / 5 years old)

We also have specific awards designed for adults wanting to learn to swim or to improve their swimming skills. It will take time for your child to learn essential swimming skills and to confidently and competently be able to swim using a range of strokes as well as have the water safety knowledge and skills to be safe around water.

No matter the age or ability, there are options for everyone to learn to swim with STA. If you are unsure where to start, please speak to your swim school for advice.

Play is an essential part of learning and development as it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children. Games are a great way for the children to learn and practice the essential swimming skills in a fun and enjoyable way, without too much focus being set on the individual skill. Play helps to influence the development of fine and gross motor skills, personal awareness, strength, flexibility, co-

ordination, body awareness and endurance. As a result, it is highly desirable for aquatic games to be incorporated into swimming lessons as and when it is appropriate to do so. Games can help to take the pressure off learning a new skill and gives children a chance to learn and explore those skills for themselves whilst still having fun.

Yes, you can request to change your child’s lesson time if needed however, we’re unable to accommodate weekly changes.

Yes, badges and certificates are available.

No, we have a conversion chart that gives our swimming teachers a guide on where your child may be compared to different swimming programmes. We do recommend that swimmers are reassessed on their first lesson to make sure they have been moved to the correct grade, and it is worth letting the swimming teacher know that youʼve been transferred so they can support your child.