We follow Swim England's Learn to Swim Programme and Award Scheme, which is outlined below:
Class |
Entry requirements |
Swim England Learn to Swim Awards |
Adult and Toddler |
This class is aimed at Toddlers aged 2 – 3 years who can walk with no support from an adult up to 3 years old. An adult must accompany the child in the water. The lesson focuses on promoting early water confidence, basic motor skills and introduces independent movement in a fun and friendly environment. |
Discovery Ducklings 1 – 4 |
Under 5’s aged 3 – 4 years |
This class is aimed at children who are confident in the water without the need for parental support but not yet swimming. The teacher is in the water and teaching and buoyancy aids are provided as children progress through the Learn to Swim awards. |
Duckling 1 – 4 |
Stage 1 |
For children 5 years and over who are new to swimming lessons and are not yet water confident e.g. unable to submerge their face confidently, float on their front and back unaided. |
Stage 1 |
Stage 2 |
For children 5 years old and have passed Stage 1 and are water confident e.g. able to submerge their face confidently, float on their front and back unaided and paddle/kick a short distance unaided. |
Stage 2 |
Stage 3 |
For children who have passed Stage 2 or able to travel 5 metres on both the front and back without the use of buoyancy aids, able to regain standing and blow bubbles into the water. |
Stage 3 |
Stage 4 |
For children who have passed Stage 3 or are able to travel 10 metres on their front and back unaided with a basic technique. Confident to jump in and submerge under water and have experience in deep water. |
Stage 4 |
Stage 5 |
For children who have passed Stage 4 or are able to kick 10 metres of front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly with good technique and swim 10 metres of a stroke. |
Stage 5 |
Stage 6 |
For children who have passed Stage 5 or able to swim 10 metres of front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly with good technique and are able to confidently tread water and perform somersaults in the water. |
Stage 6 |
Stage 7 |
For children who have passed Stage 6 or are able to swim 10 metres with clothes on, swim front crawl, breaststroke and butterfly with rhythmical breathing, swim 25 metres correct technique of at least 1 stroke, able to surface dive to the bottom of the pool, confident in deep water and able to swim with clothes on confidently. |
Stage 7 |
Adult Beginner |
For pupils aged 16 years old and over to promote water confidence and develop core aquatic skills which enable a solid foundation to start learning the strokes. |
Be Water Confident |
Adult improver |
For pupils aged 16 years old and over who are able to swim at least 10 metres on their front and back. This lesson will further improve stroke technique and develop on previous core skills learnt with an introduction to deep water. |
Be A Swimmer |
Adult Advance |
For pupils aged 16 years old and over who are able to swim at least 25 metres. This lesson will focus on stroke development and endurance. |
Be A Better Swimmer |