FAQ: Parent And Baby Group Classes VS 1:1 Lessons

The SwimWay Group Parent & Baby Lessons have been developed through many years of consistent experience and learning from all over the world.

Booking

We initially book according to age groups (3-6, 6-12, 12-18, 18-24 and 24-36 months). Though we do take into consideration previous swimming experience.  If after the first lesson our instructors think a different class will suit you and your baby better, then a member of the SwimWay office team will call you to discuss this.

One common question that arises when booking parent & baby lessons is whether we offer 1:1 classes.  SwimWay operates small groups of 4 or 5 parents and babies with 1 instructor.  While on the rare occasion these classes may not be fully booked, and you may have 2 or 3 in a lesson, we do not offer any 1:1 or 1:2 parent and baby bookings.

Lesson Structure & Benefits

At this age, the group lessons are structured to work with the strength and constitution of the younger children.  Additionally, there are major benefits from the social aspects of the group classes for both the child and the parent.  Our smaller group parent and baby lessons offer a personal class, with individual attention for each child, while still having the necessary group environment for that age.

1:1 Lessons

From the age of 2 years, should the instructor feel the child is ready, we do offer the option of joining our 1:1 children’s lessons in the afternoons.  However, for health and safety reasons children between the ages of 2-3 years cannot swim in a 1:2 lesson.  If you have not had any lessons before, and your child is between the age of 2-3 years, we strongly recommend joining the parent and baby group classes first before attempting the 1:1 private lessons.

3 Year Old Children

Once a child reaches the age of 3 years, they will generally join the 1:1 or 1:2 children’s lessons.  However, in some cases, we do make allowances to remain in the parent and baby classes for a little longer (dependant on availability).  We take this on a case by case basis, at our and the instructor’s discretion, with certain limitations.

Parent & Baby Programme

In the parent and baby lessons, through a series of different techniques, the children will learn water confidence and safety, develop an understanding of water movement, breath control through submersion, floatation front/back, how to kick correctly and basic arm movement.  There is a controlled, focused approach in the small classes with lots of opportunity for bonding between adult and baby.  The classes are progressive with a strong emphasis on the children having fun while developing several important factors including:

  • Water safety and awareness
  • Physical development (muscular, neurological, cardio vascular, coordination, motor skills)
  • Speech and language skills
  • Bonding for both baby and adult
  • Confidence and self-esteem
  • Adult self-assurance, supporting the baby in and around water
  • Learning skills (sharing, taking turns, following instructions)
  • Gentle exercise and social activity for new mums

That’s it!  We hope this helps to understand how and why we structure our lessons the way we do.  The next step is to…

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