1. WHERE DOES Rubber Ducks Swim School OPERATE?

We have pools in Willand and Taunton both have lessons suitable for all ages from 6 weeks old. 

 

2. HOW DO I BOOK?

 From our website click on the book now button, which will bring up our timetable and spaces for both sites

Call: 07979772767

Email: rubberducks-swimschool@hotmail.co.uk

Contact us on our facebook page

 

3. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EARLY YEARS SWIMMING?

Every child benefits from being in the water.  

Not only does it improve whole development of mind and body, we believe swimming is a skill every child should learn.  

Studies show that babies and young children (0-5 Years) that participate in swimming lessons are incredibly 7 months ahead in their motor skill development, 10 months ahead in cognitive development (reading, writing and numeracy skills) and 15 months ahead in social and emotional development.

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• Being in the water with your child is a special and unique bonding experience; one to one with focused attention.

• You will learn how to confidently support and guide your child, in the water and support them when learning new skills.

• Swimming is great exercise, and a great part of an active lifestyle.

• Swimming develops stronger heart and lung muscles; improving cardio- respiratory system.

• Improves sleep patterns & appetite.

• Improved baby communication: reading non-verbal signs and signals.

• Teaches relaxation.

• Motor control, agility, co-ordination and balance development.

• Social development, making friends and learning with others.

• Improved water confidence, and respect for the environment.

• Early water safety awareness and skills.

• Early swimming development.

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 ​4. HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST? 

All our classes are paid monthly in advance on the 1st of each month. 

We run classes term time only, so our booking system will send you an invoice 7 days before payment. And will charge for the number of classes we have that month.

Baby/ Tots and pre-school = £10 per session

Learn to swim = £7.50 per session

A full paid months notice is required for cancelling your space. must be given in writing via email is fine.

 

5. HOW DO I MAKE PAYMENT?

You will be asked to set up card details on your parent portal, invoices are sent monthly 7 days before payment. Payment is taken automatically on 1st of the month.

 

6. WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR SWIMMING?

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Essential Baby Tots and Pre-school

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RUBBER DUCKS swim school

operates a double nappy system.

 

 

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• Swim nappy - We highly recommend getting one of the reusable swim nappy's fits 3 months to 3 years and helps save the environment.  

• Neoprene nappy cover. To best avoid any leakages into the pool - until fully toilet trained.

• Adults Swimwear –No loose-fitting swimwear and avoid bikini's as little ones tend to pull or hold on to the straps!

• Towels, and Hooded robes – Keeping snug after swimming is important. We recommend bringing an extra towel or baby changing mat for your personal use in changing room

• Babies and Tots can also wear a warmer suit or wrap for extra warmth

• Warm clothes – Bring warm clothes and a hat to keep your baby snug after swimming.

• Wet wipes and creams. nappy bags we ask that all nappies are taken home with you.

• Dummy/ Teething toy - if needed

 

Essential for learn to swim from 4 years old

 

Willand pool

• Due to covid restrictions we are not allowing changing room usage before classes or spectators on poolside.

• Drop off = At time slot parents will send children from the bottom of main steps across courtyard to poolside, a teacher will meet them inside. (Must be swim ready)  

• They may only bring into the changing rooms with them SHOES, WARM TOWEL OR DRESSING GOWN.

• Goggles and swimming hat optional

• Pickup = Parents may come into the changing rooms 5 mins early. On entry, please remove shoes or put on blue over shoes.

• Courtyard or steps not to be used as waiting room, reminder this is someone's home and holiday lets are often in use. 

• Classes may run slightly later due to change over times, we are trying our best to make sure children get a full ½ hour session in the water.

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Selworthy (hazelbrook) pool

• start of lessons turn up no more than 10mins before your class. 

• poolside is very warm, so please wait in changing rooms until your time slot. most classes run back-to-back. 

• Parent viewing is limited, so one parent per child please. 

• Changing rooms open to all before and after lessons.

• Please don't leave belongings in the changing cubicles, preventing others using them.

• Belongings can be brought and stored on poolside. 

• All shoes must be removed before entry onto poolside.

• Mobile phones, tablets or other devices can NOT be used on poolside.

• Plenty of parking onsite - weekdays must be after 3.45pm.

• Classes may run slightly later due to change over times, we are trying our best to make sure children get a full ½ hour session in the water.

 

7. DO I HAVE TO PUT MY BABY UNDERWATER?

No!

 

We introduce babies and young children to water with above water gentle practices.

We do later teach and create opportunities for your baby/child to go into the water.

This only happens when a baby or child is communicating, engaging, understanding and giving positive signals they want to go underwater.

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Best practice of the Swimming Teachers Association is not relying on reflexes and only use baby/child led practices.

 

8. HOW LONG ARE THE LESSONS?

All lessons are half an hour. 30 Minutes

 

9. POOL PARENTING - TOP TIPS

Enjoy and relax - Babies and young children can pick up on all your expressive language; facial, touch, body language etc. If your relaxed and enjoy the water, they will be too!

 

Tune in and be in the moment – When you enter the pool with your little one you are in a unique environment brilliant for creating a special bonding. Enjoy becoming more attuned with your child and let them lead you in their fun!

 

Exploration & Experience: It's important to allow time to try, feel, hear, watch, taste and listen. Experimenting and experiencing is how babies and young children learn new things! Part of learning to swim is allowing young children time to discover the world around them through exploratory activities and games.

 

10. WHY HAS MY CHILD STOPPED DOING OR ENJOYING SOMETHING THEY PREVIOUSLY DID?

If a child is not enjoying doing something they previously did, it is most commonly because they are learning a new skill or going through a physical development stage.  Milestones!

Are they teething? Learning to crawl, stand or walk? and speech development can also affect our toddler's.

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Learning something new (out of the water) can sometimes affect what happens in the water. The developing brain needs time to take in and process the new information or skill being learnt. 

Once the brain has processed and decided how to use it; a child should regain the skills they previously did, and often progress in their swimming skills after a big milestone.

Being patient, working at your child's pace and following their lead on playing and participating in activities is the best way to support your child through these times.  We use toys, discovery play, increase independence, exploration and changing perception to help our babies/children enjoy learning in the water.