Teaching your child to swim is a vital life skill. With so many options available, choosing the right one for your child is important. At Swim Generation, we help over 2000 children each week learn new swimming skills, and we understand how crucial swim school and class selection are. In this article, we will explore eight key questions to consider before making a decision on the right children's swimming lessons.
What are the class sizes?
Find out what the class sizes are; these are the instructor-to-swimmer ratios. Smaller classes have many advantages over larger classes. This includes more hands-on guidance for your child, a calmer environment, better safety and improved skill development. At Swim Generation, we offer only private and small class sizes and have found that this improves coach-child relationships.
During Training, Is The Instructor In Or Out Of The Water?
This is an area that parents often overlook, but at Swim Generation, we strongly believe that having coaches in the pool with children offers many benefits. Firstly, it enhances safety because the instructor stays close to the swimmer in case of any issues. It also promotes a hands-on (physically helping a child feel where their hips or hands should be), real-time learning experience where the coach can physically demonstrate the stroke or technique they are teaching. Parents have also mentioned that if their children are nervous, knowing there is an instructor in the water with them helps to ease their fears.
‘We have consistently seen the benefits firsthand of coaches teaching in the water, ’ Christopher Whitworth, Founder, Swim Generation.
What Are The Different Levels?
As a parent, it is important to understand the different swimming levels offered by the swim school. In addition, how do they assess your child’s abilities, and what are their policies for pathways? It is important that your child is not in a class that is inappropriate to their skills and that does not lead to ‘plateau’ frustration. A reputable swim school will provide a comprehensive swimming program that covers all swimming levels.
Teaching Style: Learn-Play Balance
1Swim School England states that teaching styles should be ‘positive, fun and memorable’ for preschool children. The 2STA (Swimming Teachers Association) also notes that play-based programmes help support children's intellectual and social development. Find out what their policies are in the different programmes with regard to learning-play balance, especially early on, as first impressions are extremely important and young children can be anxious.
What Is Their Feedback Policy?
‘Effective and clear communication between coaches, parents, and the head office is a main focus at Swim Generation. Feedback is given after each swim session, which is extremely popular with the parents.’ Tara Rahilly, Office Manager, Swim Generation.
- Below are five reasons parents have given for the importance of effective feedback:
- Improves child development and positivity.
- Helps to resolve any concerns early.
- Builds a strong relationship between the coaches, parents and child.
- Helps to create a transparent atmosphere.
- Increases confidence in their child’s progression.
3Swim England encourages feedback, as they state it helps maximise benefits like skill acquisition, confidence, and enjoyment in the water.
Where are the pool locations?
Finding out where the swimming classes are held will directly affect practicality and the ability to commit to the programme, helping to ensure maximum attendance. Below are three reasons why the pool location is an important factor in the selection process:
Having a swim school nearby will maximise convenience and encourage attendance. We often hear this from our clients.
Knowing the pool's location enables you to check whether parking is available if you drive.
You can see if they offer poolside observation so you can watch your child's progress.
What are the lesson times?
If the lesson times do not coordinate wth your family routine or commitments, it can cause issues with consistency. As an established Swim School, we fully recognise the importance of routine in swimming, as supported by the 4UK Royal Life Saving Society. Talking to parents, below are some areas that may need consideration:
- For younger children, is the lesson time in line with their natural rhythm?
- Are the lesson times consistent? If they differ each week, this can lead to complications and scheduling conflicts.
- If you have siblings who are swimming, how do their swimming times compare?
- Consider the long term: how will the times differ as your child progresses?
Are The Clasess Year-Round?
As previously mentioned, consistency is a key attribute when learning to swim and mastering new skills. It also helps develop muscle memory, coordination, and cognitive skills related to swimming. With year-round swimming lessons, skills become instinctive, and progress is faster. Some swim schools do not operate in winter, and parents who have joined our programme often say that this break can cause their children to lose skills they need to relearn. 5 New research from Swim England highlights the benefits of year-round swimming for your child's development.
Summary
Selecting the right swimming class for your child is important for many reasons. It is an investment in time, money, and your child. It is important to research how the class will integrate with your commitments and family. If you require any additional information or would like to know more about the Swimming classes we offer at Swim Generation, complete our online form or contact our office. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24hours.
Sources:
1 - https://www.swimming.org/learntoswim/swim-england-foundation-framework/
2 - https://www.sta.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BPS-Swimming-A-Parents-Guide.pdf
3 - https://www.swimming.org/assets/a_guide_for_swimming_teachers.pdf
5 - https://www.swimming.org/justswim/swimming-lessons-benefit-children-beyond-pool/