Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in order to build water confidence, ease communication, provide demonstrations, and provide physical support where necessary, our teachers are always in the water for all Core Aquatic Skills and Beginners One classes.  Depending on what they feel will benefit the class most the teacher may be in or out the water for Beginners Two.  Improvers, Stroke Development and Swimfit are taught from the poolside.

Yes, all our staff hold the appropriate qualifications required.

We understand the importance of teacher continuity and we aim to provide the same teacher each week. Of course, like anyone, our teachers may occasionally be off due to illness or holidays and when this happens a replacement will take the class.  While we appreciate this is never ideal, please rest assured that all teachers have access to the class notes and lesson plans to ensure progress isn’t hindered and disruption minimised.  All of our teachers are of course appropriately qualified, and PVG-checked through Disclosure Scotland.

We unfortunately do not offer a trial lesson purely because we know from experience that some children may need a few lessons to fully settle in, which a trial lesson doesn’t give them enough time to do.  If your child does have any difficulty settling, please rest assured we will do everything we can to support them and make their experience as comfortable as possible.

All our class sizes are more than 50% smaller than the ratios that teachers are actually qualified to teach, and the recommended ratios of governing bodies.  We keep classes small to ensure teachers can give each child individual tuition within a class environment. This helps us better understand each pupil’s individual needs and any fears they might have. For specific class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios, please see our Swim Level for Children page.

While not essential, we find children usually progress better when wearing goggles and a well-fitted swimming costume. We use a variety of teaching aids like floats and noodles to support learning, but we try not to use artificial flotation aids such as armbands as we have the teacher in the water to provide support if required. If you feel however that initially wearing armbands would help your child “settle in” then it’s no problem for you to bring them and the teacher will remove them when they feel ready.

All lesson feedback is provided through our online Parent Portal. This is the main tool we use to keep you informed and involved in your child’s swimming journey.

When you log in to your account, you can:

• View your child’s current swim level and previously completed levels via the “Awards” tab
• Track progress within the current level by clicking on the “In Progress” button — see which skills are being taught, which have been achieved and which still need work
• Download and print swimming certificates when a level is completed (you can choose from two different styles)

While our coordinators may not be present every week, we always have a member of staff on poolside who can assist you or point you in the right direction if you have questions.

We know how important feedback is and know that unfortunately the nature of swim tuition makes it difficult to be able to speak with teachers before or after lessons. If you ever have concerns however, or want to discuss your child’s progress, please don’t hesitate to email us — we’re always happy to help.

Our program runs on a rolling basis, so you only need to book once — when you first start. After that, your child’s place in the program continues until you get in touch to opt out.

To stop your lessons with us you must send an email before the specified opt-out date/time. Once we receive your email we shall acknowledge it prior to the opt-out date.  Please note that we only accept requests to stop lessons via email to avoid any misunderstandings.

If we do not receive any notification by the opt-out date, your on-going booking and child’s place in our programme will be automatically confirmed going forward, and no refunds will be given.

If lessons cannot be delivered due to pool closures or any other unforeseen circumstances, we will reschedule the lesson, offer lesson credits against future payments, or offer lessons at another venue. Refunds will not be given.

Unfortunately, this is impossible question to answer as every child is different and it depends on so many factors, e.g. the age they start, previous experiences in water, and often most importantly how often they practise in-between their lessons.  Likewise, everyone has their own idea of what “being able to swim” looks like.