Swim Schools at not all the same?

When choosing swimming lessons, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the best fit for your needs and preferences:

Class Size and Ratio: Smaller class sizes and lower student-to-instructor ratios often provide more personalized attention and instruction. This allows for better feedback and correction of individual techniques. You will find teacher ratios/class size range in size from 3:1  to 1:16.

Instructor Qualifications: Look for instructors who are certified by reputable organizations such as the ASA or Swim England. Senior staff should have certifications in lifeguarding, CPR and first aid.

Lesson Structure and Curriculum: Swimming lessons schemes and schools are not all the same. Parents and Guardians desire the swimmer to be safe and to enjoy time in the water. A minimum expectation should be for children to be taught 3 or 4 strokes , deep water confidence entry and exit safety diving and a few basic life preserving skills. Some programs focus on basic water safety and survival skills, while others may offer more advanced techniques for competitive swimming or specific strokes, which can be too much for some children.

Age and Skill Level: Some schools assign lessons based on age? Children do not learn to swim at the same pace and do not progress in line with the academic year. PoolSchools, offer an assessment to swimmers over 4 years old who have had lessons independent of parents/adults to ensure we put them into the correct ability level. Some programs cater specifically to infants and toddlers, while others may focus on adults or competitive swimmers. Ask about the scheme before booking?

Availability , Schedule size and depth of the pool : Schedules spanning several days and in longer and deeper pools will mean you do not have to change venues as the swimmer progresses through higher levels fitting  your routine longer.

Cost and Value: Compare the cost of lessons . Consider all the costs; Cost per lesson , how many lessons per year/ term you can attend. Number of swimmers per class; What are the additional costs ? Are badges FREE ,is parking available and FREE .

• Check Cancelation policy , some schools impose a full term ?.
• Are the classes termly 10, 11 or 12 week courses or spread over 50 weeks. Consider how many classes you may miss when paying for 50 weeks?

Reputation and Reviews: Research the reputation of the swimming school or instructor by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from friends, family, or online communities.

Trial and Observation of Classes: Some Schools offer trial classes or allow parents to observe lessons before enrolling.  However children can take 2 3 or 4 weeks to settle in and therefore a trial may not prove valuable. PoolSchools don’t offer trials .

Check you can watch the classes inside the pool hall or from a viewing area. Some School have still not re-instated viewing since Covid?

Facility Safety: Ensure that the facility have Parking, ideally FREE, separate changing rooms and showers are clean , and appropriate safety equipment.

Swimming Schools and Swim Club ; Specialised Programs: Swim schools teach all children to swim employing Teachers. Swim Clubs develop competitive swimmers and employ Coaches. If you have specific goals or interests, such as competitive swimming, water aerobics, or diving, look for a swim school or club that specialise in these areas.

By considering these factors, you can choose swimming lessons that provide a safe, effective, and enjoyable learning experience. The PoolSchools team are available to answer any questions you may have. Good Luck!