3 Years Plus
We provide group and individual lessons. Group lessons sizes are 4, 5 or 6 swimmers to one teacher depending on the class swimming ability.
Each child will follow an individualised programme within the group setting.
Core Aquatics will inform you when your child(ren) are ready to move to the next stage.
You will be provided with days and times that are available based on your child(ren)’s swimming ability. If the whole group has progressed at the same rate then the group will stay the same and continue to progress through the awards pathway together.
- Small group sessions allow each swimmer to develop their swimming within the sociable peer support setting. Small ratio groups deliver quicker progression through addressing individualised needs and increased confidence building.
- Individual sessions allow for focused development in a tailored setting.
- Personalised goals for each child whether in a one to one, two to one or small group setting
- Trust building between teachers and swimmers
- Approachable and understanding team members
- Ongoing feedback from your teachers at set opportunities
- Acknowledgement of achievement (through both Core Aquatics Award of Achievement and the STA International Learn to Swim Programme awards)
Full payment information is in our terms and conditions in the footer of our website. All payments are paid in advance of the ten week terms. Missed lessons are non-refundable.
We have a front of house team member at each site.
Please see our FAQ page, click HERE
What age can my child start swimming lessons?
Most children can begin lessons from around 3–4 years old, once they are comfortable being away from a parent/guardian in the water. Baby Pre School lessons can start earlier and then transition into independent classes.
Do you offer parent-and-baby classes?
No, we take children from age 3 years old and our teachers are in the water with swimmers. Parents are not required to enter the water.
How do I know which level my child should join?
If your child has swum before, we’ll ask you what level they achieved in terms of badges awarded either through Swim England or STA pathways. If your child hasn’t swum before, then they will be placed in a class appropriate for their swimming ability.
At the time of joining parents/guardians are asked questions and if there are any other factors that we need to know for example, if your child has other abilities, or may have had a bad experience in water previously. We will work with you to determine an appropriate class. Our aim is to place every swimmer where they feel comfortable, confident, and able to progress at the right pace.
What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
Small class sizes are important for progress and learning. Our non-swimmer lessons have a ratio of 4 swimmers to 1 teacher in the water, allowing teachers to give each swimmer a more individualised learning experience.
Our maximum class sizes are 6 swimmers to 1 teacher which applies to improver to advanced lessons. The only lesson with up to 12 swimmers with 1 teacher are Junior Lifeguard Academy (JLA) due to swimmers working in teams and pairs.Â
My child is nervous about swimming. Can they still join?
Absolutely. Many children start lessons feeling unsure or a little anxious. Our teachers focus on building water confidence first, using fun activities and encouragement so children learn to feel relaxed and safe in the water.
The more information you give us through your enquiry / new starter forms, the more helpful this can be for the teacher/front of house team to support.
Equally, you as parent/guardian can support in advance of lessons by talking to your children about how the lessons will operate. Essentially, you’re making the unfamiliar become familiar prior to attending.
Can anyone start swimming at any time?
Yes!
If there is a place available, swimmers can join at any point during a term. We have 40 weeks of lessons per year. Lessons are over 10 week blocks throughout the year.
Do you follow the school holidays?
No, we close for two weeks over Easter, Summer break and circa 4 weeks over Christmas. Due to schools differing closure dates (county split), and duration of holiday time, we do not close for half terms. For example, some schools have 2 weeks off in October and others have one week.
What awarding certificates and badges do you use to assess swimmers?
We follow the STA International Learn to Swim Programme (ILTSP). Certificates and badges are awarded to recognise progress within this framework.
The STA Rockhopper and Emperor Distance Series are brilliant for children who have other abilities to help recognise progress which can take form at a slower pace. At Core Aquatics we like to run these series alongside the full STA ILTSP.
The Core Aquatics Award of Achievement is used for swimmers who may not have quite met all the learning outcomes for an STA badge or who may have achieved a particular milestone/skill that has been challenging for them – this could even be having the confidence to get into the pool!
Do you offer lessons for children with additional needs/disabilities?
Yes. We have qualified disability teachers who have taken additional qualifications and/or CPD to enable them to teach a range of abilities.
Core Aquatics are also an Autism Swim Approved swim school (since 2019) and were a trailblazer in this regard with being only the 3rd swim school to start our Autism Swim journey when they expanded to the UK.Â
Core Aquatics have a partnership with another charity, Level Water that offers partially subsidised places for children with other abilities. Register on their waiting list and specify Core Aquatics to swim with us.
How long does it take for a child to learn to swim?
Every child progresses differently. Some gain confidence quickly, while others take a little longer. With regular lessons, most children gradually build the skills needed to swim independently and safely.
It is important to note that childhood development can impact upon progress, particularly growth spurts/puberty.
How do you track progress?
 Teacher develop a scheme of work and lessons plans for the term of lessons (10 weeks) to incorporate the learning outcomes from the certificate and badges the swimmers in that particular level are working towards.
Core Aquatics adopt an ‘ongoing’ assessment approach where teachers are assessing each week the swimmers’ progress.
It is worth noting that not all learning outcomes of certificates and badges are covered every week. For example, breaststroke won’t progress during the week front crawl is being taught.
Teachers report their assessments termly to the administration team and the administration team communicate with parents the certificates and badges achieved for that term and give the opportunity to purchase.
Do I have to purchase the certificate and badges?
No, you can view the learning outcomes for the certificate and badges on the STA website.
If you forget to order, we can add any purchases to the next order. Due to the cost of keeping stock, all orders are placed on the Monday (payment deadline) to enable delivery and writing up ready for week 10. All swimmers receive certificates and badges on week 10.
Some awards such as the Good Strokes and Junior Lifeguard Academy only include a certificate or badge.
How long are the lessons?
All lessons are 30 minutes in duration, which is the ideal length for children to stay focused while practising key skills in the water.
How often do children move up a stage?
Teachers submit their assessments each term to the admin team and then the primary contact will be contacted for lesson times available. If the whole class are moving up together the class remains the same and the level of the class changes. Â
Do you focus on water confidence or technique first?
We focus on water confidence and then teach and develop stroke technique.