Through games, repetition and most importantly, structured play, we aim to give your child the keys skills required to learn to swim. We feel they are too young at this age to learn direct strokes and they will be encouraged to develop their own natural ability to swim, at first with swimming aids and then eventually independently. We use various depth pools to give the child a full learning experience in a variety of water environments.
At this stage children thrive on praise and they are verbally rewarded during each goal achieved in the session, however small the achievement. We actively encourage parents to do the same!
From Baby Nemos to Toddler Nemos we will aim to get the parent out of the water and promote independence in the water in the swimmer.
Please do not be offended if we ask you to step out of the session or take a withdrawn approach, we have the interest of your child at heart and we are trying to develop them into future swimmers!
What to expect on the first lesson?
Toddlers are very aware of their environment and can be daunted by the prospect of something new. It is normal in the first few weeks for children to be hesitant and nervous but please persist and be as comforting as needed during this adjustment. Tears and tantrums may happen at any point during the course as they develop stronger swimming skills and are moved out of their comfort zone.
What do I need to bring to class?
- Yourself and a bundle of fun!
- Swimming costumes for yourself and your little Nemo
- A towel for you both
- Please bring along your registration form if you have not already emailed it to us
- Please try and arrive as prepared as possible to start swimming sometimes the changing facilities can be a little ‘cosy’ so it may be best for you as a parent to be changed beforehand.
- It is important to ensure your child is kept out of the pool until the lesson is due to begin, there is no lifeguard on poolside until the swimming instructor is there, we do have to follow health and safety regulations that apply to the pools we use.
- At some venues there are two pools and this is very tempting for a younger swimmer to play after their lesson. Once your child has finished their Nemo class we insist that they get a shower and change as soon as possible.
- If your child has their own shark fin please ensure this is clearly labeled with their name on it.
How do we teach?
All our instructors teach in the water as it helps to build confidence for the swimmer. Teaching in the water allows us to be close to the pupils to give clear and definitive instructions.
We have 6-8 pupils in each lesson with either one or two swimming instructors.
What happens if we have to cancel a lesson?
If for any unfortunate reason your lesson has to be cancelled, we will phone and email you in advance to let you know of the situation. We will always try and arrange an alternative lesson however; if this cannot be done you will be refunded for the lesson missed at a price of £10 per lesson.
What happens if you miss a group lesson?
Unfortunately if you are unable to attend the group class for any reason the lesson is forfeited. Only in extreme circumstances will we be able to arrange an alternative lesson for you. These are set out clearly in the terms and conditions of booking and we will only give a refund in extreme circumstances. Please understand that once your place is booked we are un able to fill your place with someone else mid term and so you will be charged for the whole term.
Further Swimming after Nemo’s:
Where do we go next?
When you have reached the time when you leave Nemo Swimming we will ensure that both you and your child have a smooth transition to our friends at Swim NE. Don’t worry though; we will not push you to leave until we feel your child is more than ready. This is usually after they have achieved the necessary stage awards we give out and we will advise you when this is approaching!
