Here you will find a guide to our classes.
If you have any enquiries, please fill out the contact form below or email info@thebabyswimmingcompany.co.uk.
Please note: WE ARE TAKING BOOKINGS FOR THE September Term!
The term begins on September 7th, 2026 and runs for 7 weeks.
A guide to our classes
Foundation class
If your child is aged 8 weeks to 11 months old and has little to no experience of being in the water, this is the place to start.
You and your baby will be in the pool together, with a qualified instructor and no more than four or five other babies in your class.
Your baby will be guided over a period of weeks, with your supervision, to feel more confident in the water.
We are often asked if babies are ‘dunked’, or go under water straight away - they don’t! Our instructors gently guide your baby, first becoming comfortable in the water with toys, songs and games, then progressing with splashes and tipping water with cups, until finally - when you and your baby are ready - preparing for your baby’s first underwater experience.
Once your baby has had enough experience in the water, they can progress from the Foundation class into the following Stages, of which there are eight (including Foundation). We will liaise with you at all stages of your child’s journey.
Stages 2 - 8
Some new swimmers come to us with already enough experience in the water to go straight into one of these stages, and that is absolutely fine. We are happy to discuss your baby’s needs and make the best decision for you.
Each Stage takes your baby on a progression - from holding on to the side, using floatation devices, learning to float, learning to ‘go under’, getting in and out of the pool safely, with many of our little swimmers eventually moving on to becoming independent swimmers in our purpose-built pools during these stages.
All of our Foundation and Stage classes require a parent/guardian in the pool with their little swimmer.
Typically, little swimmers will complete the eight Foundation and Stage classes in just over a year, but this varies from child to child and is dependent on many factors!
Our instructors get to know each child and will progress swimmers according to what’s right for them - we never advance any swimmer too quickly, and will advise you to make sure you and your little one are having the best experience.
Ducklings 1 - 2
Parents/guardians remain in the pool for Ducklings 1 and 2 classes.
In these stages, your child will begin to increase their ability with independent swimming, playing games and having fun whilst developing essential techniques and skills to remain safe and confident in the pool.
They will jump off the sides, be confident underwater, use floatation devices and learn swimming strokes/techniques - whilst still having bags of fun!
Duckling 1 classes are for 1-2-year-olds. Duckling 2 classes are for 2-3-year-olds, although swimmers can be older if they are not ready to swim on their own once they turn 3. Your instructor will advise you when they are ready to progress to Duckling 3.
Your child’s appropriate class will be assessed based on their needs - your teacher and the centre will be able to advise which is best.
Ducklings 3 +
These are the first classes where your child swims without you in the pool.
Parents/guardians remain in the pool area, but your child swims in the pool with the other little swimmers and their teacher, with parents observing from the side.
To reach Ducklings 3, your child must be at least 3 years of age and confident in the pool without you.
These are the final stages of our classes, and take our little swimmers with all the skills they need to progress onto STA Stage 1 Standard swimming for children.
By this point, they will be enthusiastic, confident and knowledgeable swimmers, ready to progress!