What is the Swim Works "Partnership Approach"?

We are committed to supporting all of our parents, caregivers and children, through various ways. And there are important things you can do too!

We recognise that you are the most important people in your children’s lives, and that working alongside you, we can ensure your child’s swim journey is the best experience it can be.

Although water confidence and learning to swim will always be our primary aims, through our programme we also focus on skills that develop the ‘whole child’ from the inside out. Skills like inner confidence, self- esteem, social and motor skills – skills that will give your child a head start in life!

At Swim Works we really value taking our time. In our busy world it is so easy to get into that rushed cycle. All of our teachers are passionate and want to make your swim journey special. We don’t simply churn out lessons, but we take our time to do the following:

• Learn everybody’s names and get to know you!
• Cater for different learning styles
• Find out your child’s likes and dislikes and what engages them
• Help them to overcome any fears or little insecurities
• Celebrate achievements
• Create the right swim environment
• Develop the best programme
• Train all of our teachers in our ethos
• Make learning to swim fun!

Being a parent is both the best and the hardest job in the world, often all at the same time!

We totally understand, we are all parents too, which is why we value our partnership approach with you. We share the same aims and values that focus on giving your child the best swim experience possible.

One thing you can focus on doing is slowing down your whole swim journey. From packing your bag at home, to leaving that little bit of extra time to stroll into the centre, to pointing out things to your child on the way that we take for granted in our everyday environment – all of these things will acclimatise your child’s senses.

It’s also good to arrive on time – easier said than done, sometimes, we know, but it will make all the difference in learning to swim. Children often pick up on our stresses or can become anxious arriving when the lesson has already started and their friends are in the pool. It is also sometimes hard for the teacher to stop the lesson to ensure a safe entry.

But, we will also always help and are non-judgmental in our entire approach. We just want, like you, for everyone to have the best swim experience possible!

It’s key to see the pool from the child’s view and marvel at the simplest splash.

Be involved, whether it is in the pool or watching – but remember that our viewing and pool areas are no phone zones!

If you are in the water, familiarise yourself with the pool floor – be aware of your position in the pool and how low can you be in the water, so that you feel grounded and balanced. Always be at eye level with your child so you can be present in the moment. Also be aware of how you are supporting (holding) your child. A light support is preferable to a tight hold.

For babies and toddlers, take your time on every activity. Not only do their brains process information at a much slower speed than ours, but taking your time to learn the key foundations, holds and moves will give your little one the best swim start.

Talk about swimming at home. Ask open questions (“What did you like today about swimming?”), talk about what you saw and give specific praise (“I saw your amazing jump”).

Also practice in the bath, shower, local pool or on holiday – it is amazing just how much a little more practice away from Swim Works can help to leap frog all of their skills when learning to swim.

We love nothing more than to watch the engagement, the love and the interaction between our parents and children. And love nothing more than taking the time to make your swim journey special.

Thank you for sharing your time with us at Swim Works!