Please reach out — we'd love to offer support and provision where we can. With over 32 years of experience, specialist training and expert advisors, we are proud to ensure our swim school meets the needs of every swimmer where possible.

We're experienced in adapting our teaching and implementing strategies that make swimming accessible and enjoyable for everyone at Penguins. The more you can tell us about your child, the better we can support them.

Just six. We keep our classes intentionally small — because we believe every swimmer deserves proper attention and care.

For Stages 1–4, our teachers and helpers are right there in the water alongside your child, ensuring maximum support and progression at every stage of their journey.

Parents don’t need to get in the water with their child unless under 5 years and they are needed to help them settle-in.
Parents of swimmers up to the age of 16 must always remain in the building.
There is plenty of space poolside to sit and watch. Please make sure no distraction or disruption to the lesson is created – phones on silent, thank you.

Some children can find the environment a little overwhelming at first; we always expect a few nervous children (and parents!). We are more than happy for your child to watch and participate when they are ready. Please do not feel that if your child is not in the pool they are wasting time. We would prefer a child to enter willingly rather than feel forced – this is all part of the process.

Goggles are not required, but if your child prefers to swim with them, please feel free to bring them along.

The shallow end is 0.9m, so most children will be able to stand. For those who can't quite touch the bottom yet, there's no need to worry — we use a range of swim aids and our teachers and helpers are always close by, making sure every child feels safe, supported and confident in the water.

For beginners, baths are a great opportunity to build water skills and confidence. Practice putting chins, noses, cheeks and faces in the water, blowing bubbles, and lying on their front and back with their ears in the water. Go for fun family swims. Talk to your child about their swimming lessons in advance – getting ready, meeting the teachers, fitting swim aids, etc – and keep that dialogue going after their lesson too. Give them lots of positive praise and support in, and outside of, their lessons. We have a visual story available for new Penguins so they can see in advance what to expect.

Lessons are paid half-termly (pro rata) in advance by bank transfer. Full payment details are included on the swimming invoices you'll receive.