.png){kind=logo}
Sensory Swimming Pathway
Why swim with us?
Well....
Whether you are looking for a one-off term of bonding or fun, or want to lay a solid learn-to-swim foundation, you are in the right place!
Classes run term time only, with some specials throughout the holidays. Term dates can be found here.
There are so many reasons to choose us for your swimming, but the most important one is that we put your little one first. Everything is planned with their development and enjoyment in mind, and we absolutely do not force any activity. We believe a love of the water is born from freedom to play and explore and feeling safe and secure with their caregiver and teacher.
We split the classes by age as children will learn swimming skills usually to coincide with certain stages of development linked to age. Simply select an age group to suit at the time of booking and then every time you re-book, we will ensure you child is in a group with others the closest age.
Scroll down to see our swimming pathway!
Bath Babies (45mins- 1hr)
£55 for 4 week term
From 6 weeks to around 4/5 months
This is the start of your swim journey!
Bath babies helps prepare both you and baby for the big pool. Using lots of nurturing touch and connection, this class starts your baby on the path of water confidence as you and they get familiar with songs and movements.
You can leave the swimsuit at home and come along and chat with other parents over a hot coffee as you begin your adventure together.
Class sizes are a max of 6/7 babies and partners are welcome..
From 3/4 to 6 months
This is your first port of call for baby and parent to explore the pool together!
'Waters Touch,' is a specially adapted programme of nurturing touch which is built upon the principles of baby massage.
There is lots of gentle touch and soft hands with some slow songs and activities which support tummy time, building core strength and water confidence.
This is a lovely slow introduction to the pool for young babies and their grown ups.
There is no upper age limit on this class but once babies get to around 6 months they are usually ready for the next stage (Sensory Splashtime)
Waters touch - a pool introduction (25-30mins)
£12 per class, payable termly (usually 6-8 weeks)
Sensory Swimming (25-30mins)
£12 per class, payable termly (usually 6-8 weeks)
An original sensation! From six months we start working on your little ones swimming skills combined with all the fun of Sensory classes. We use music, singing, activities and play which support their swim journey; Whether you are looking for a fun introduction to the pool, a fun activity for maternity/paternity leave, or a firm foundation for swimming lessons, this ticks all the boxes.
For the younger age groups we have lots of actions which support building core strength, and include fun splashy activities with age appropriate toys which support water confidence, fine and gross motor skills, cognitive skills, and speech and language development. As your little ones grows and progresses, we introduce:
-
Safety skills such as holding on, floating, climbing out, rotating
-
Jumping in/ returning to the side
-
Pushing off from the wall
-
Using arms and legs to kick, paddle, move forwards/ backwards
-
Being comfortable dipping in own face/ going under the water (all child led and dependent upon their own preferences)
-
Progressing to swimming by themselves without the adult in the water (older children, when they are ready)
We use a variety of floats and aids for swimming but don't want children to become reliant on armbands; we want them to be able to understand their own buoyancy so include lots of activity without.
Although skill repetition is essential for learning, each term is different and has lots of themed play so your little one (and you) won't get bored! There is lots of child led water play in these sessions as well as lots of gentle encouragement to explore and enjoy the water and every activity is mindful of the childs preference and likes, with no forced activity.
Classes from around 6 months to 4 years (starting school)
OTHER CLASSES
Water Well-being:
Time for mums & mums-to-be (25-30mins)
£12.00 per class, Pay as you go
This class is just for grown -ups
Our Water well-being class is designed to provide some much needed YOU time.
Each week will have different gentle swim, aqua-yoga, breathing, stretching and relaxation exercises in small group settings with other mums and mums to be.
It can help to facilitate a more comfortable pregnancy, birth experience and postnatal recovery however you can have little ones who are now big ones to attend this, there is no limit and all mums are welcome!
Parent & Baby Aquafit: (45 mins)
£12.00 per class, Pay as you go
Classes suitable to attend with babies from4/5 months
This is a gentle aquatic exercise class which runs for about 30 minutes, and has 15 minutes at the end for a bit of water play/ socialising/ free time in the water for parents and babies.
You don't need to have done any exercise previously to attend this - complete beginners welcome.
Parents of older children also welcome - the heavier the better for building that muscle!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are in a class?
Up to 6 Adult & Child Pairs for sensory swimming classes. Up to 8 for all others.
Do I need to bring armbands?
No, primarily children are held in the water and we have equipment we can use as needed, however if you have an older child who enjoys a bit more freedom and is used to wearing something in particular, you are welcome to bring them along along.
I want to come with my friend but our babies are different ages. Can we come together?
Depending on the gap, we can usually work something out. Please send a message to the page with the details.
Is this the same as baby sensory?
It’s based on very similar foundations but there will likely be less objects/ props as we use the water as the main natural stimulator of senses and allow lots of exploration. Also, obviously nothing plugged in!!
Why are swimming lessons only 25-30 minutes?
This time is more than enough time for little brains to focus and learn in the water. Anymore and we find that little ones can become crabby, tired or overwhelmed, particularly younger babies.
Why is 3 months minimum for pool classes?
While swimming is incredibly beneficial for babies, there is no rush to get there while they are very young. The pool is incredibly sensory with all the smells and sounds and it can just be a bit too much for young babies, which is why we offer 'bath babies' which is intended for a lovely lead up to the pool and is highly recommended as your first port of call.
