Pre-School sessions are called Parent and Child Classes or Ducks…

We recommend starting your children’s aquatic journey in our Parent and Child classes, ideally before they reach 4 years of age. Following this milestone, children progress to lessons conducted without parental supervision.

Recognizing the paramount importance of water safety for their offspring, parents naturally understand the necessity of introducing their children to swimming from an early age. Swimming, being a fundamental life skill, It is never too early to start . Sadly PoolSchools do not offer Aquatic sessions for infants (under 2s).

PoolSchools sessions engage the swimmer and adult in activities with your child which will be immensely gratifying, enjoyable, and occasionally challenging. Entering a new environment the children can be anxious. With your support their confidence will grow…. this will need your patience and persistence .

Our Parent and Child lessons, known as “DUCKS” classes, are for children aged 3-4 years*, and focus on nurturing children’s confidence and motor skills. Through themed activities and games, young swimmers gradually gain independence, reducing reliance on parental assistance. Repetition and familiarity foster confidence in both children and parents, empowering the former to participate autonomously as they transition to Fledgling classes.

Swimming is a life skill. Most people only swim on holiday so ensure you and your children have the basic skills ; are save; and have loads of fun.

 At PoolSchools, our Parent and Child (Ducks), F1, and F2 classes incorporate the use of body belts. These belts offer support to swimmers, aiding them to maintain optimal body positioning during lessons allowing full arm mobility for various activities while ensuring their safety. Moreover, the body belts feature adjustable floats, enabling tailored support as swimmers advance, facilitating natural body alignment. Conversely, the use of armbands is not permitted due to their tendency to promote a vertical posture and limit arm movement. Parents can purchase the body belts from the shop or online.

We often get asked why we don’t have Infant(0-24 months) sessions .

The main reason is the pools we use heat their water to a “Swimmer temperature” – 27-29 degrees, suitable for someone constantly moving in the water. Babies/Infants don’t tend to move continuously which ensures they stay warm enough.

This requires a certain level of ability to take instruction, from the Early Years learning research reaffirms this level of required instruction taking comes to children at around 3 years old. While we do accept swimmers from 24 month priority is given to swimmers over 36 months. Sadly some pools are unsuitable for young children (See each pool for details).

In the Parent and Child sessions, parents, or guardians assume the role of one-on-one assistants for their children. This arrangement offers familiar support in the water, especially beneficial for young ones adjusting to the structure of swimming lessons and grappling with attention spans. Active parental involvement is encouraged during Ducks classes to reinforce instruction provided by the teacher, distinguishing these sessions as introductory steps towards a structured swim program rather than casual family leisure swimming.

Instructors impart vital skills such as pool entry and exit techniques, emphasizing the role of parental assistance without overtly supporting the swimmer, practices parents can use during family leisure swimming. Consistently remembering to “BLOW BUBBLES” reinforces foundational swimming habits.

Upon reaching 4 years of age, children advance to the F1 Fledglings class, without their adult, with small classes of  6 swimmers per session supervised by two PoolSchools team members. Parents are reminded to equip their children with essential gear including body belts and hats. (And goggles if desired).

At PoolSchools we encourage children to remain on top of the water moving effectively on top of the water – not under it. While it is fun to go under the water, learning safety techniques and building confidence is really important. We actively encourage water play and leisure swimming for all ages, and recommend at least 5 minuets of practicing what the swimmer has learnt in lessons every time you visit the pool.  The sea is not the place to practice your early years swimming. Enjoy your time in the water?

We hope this helps answer any questions you may have about starting your time with PoolSchools.