FAQ: What Lessons Can I Book For A 2-3 Year Old?

Our previous FAQ blog covered PARENT AND BABY GROUP CLASSES VS 1:1 LESSONS. So we thought it would be helpful to see what lessons we offer for children between the ages of 2-3 years …

1:1 Lessons

For children aged 2-3 years, SwimWay offers 1:1 lessons if the child has plenty of previous experience in the water

The first question we ask is “have they had previous lessons before?”.  If the answer is no, we will ask a series of further questions. This way we can ascertain the child’s confidence and capabilities. If they have never had lessons before it is advisable to book into the parent and baby programme first.  Even if it is for a single term before changing.

Some children who have not had lessons before do have a good amount of experience from holidays, etc. So we are always open to trying them in the 1:1 lessons if the parent/guardian feels it is appropriate.

young child learning to swim

Are They Ready?

We usually ask questions along the following lines for children aged 2-3 years:

  • Has your child had lessons before?
  • How long did they have lessons for?
  • Have they had any swimming experience at all?
  • Are they comfortable in the water?
  • Can they put their head underwater?
  • Will they be happy to get into the water without a parent/guardian?

The answers we receive will determine whether parent and baby or 1:1 lessons would be more suitable for your child.

Time To Settle

Sometimes you’ll find the younger children have some difficulty settling into the 1:1 lessons at first.  They are used to a parent/guardian getting in with them, so it can be a little scary on their own.  Our instructors are very experienced in making the little ones feel calm and comfortable in the water. After a couple of lessons the kids are usually ready and raring to go! Of course, some children simply are not ready for the private lessons. Our instructors will inform the office if this is the case.  We will be in touch on these occasions to discuss alternative availabilities in our parent and baby programme.

mother and child swimming together

Parent & Baby Lessons

The most common option for children of this age is parent and baby classes. At such a young age, these children require far more hands-on assistance in the water. They also feel more secure with a parent/guardian providing that support, along with the instructor. Eventually, the sociable, fun and friendly environment that is created helps them become more safe and comfortable. This is one of the benefits of these classes and helps to pave the way to independence in the water.

Through a series of different techniques, the children will learn:

  • Water confidence and safety
  • An understanding of water movement
  • Breath control through submersion
  • Floatation front/back
  • How to kick correctly
  • Basic arm movement

There is a controlled focussed approach in the small classes with lots of opportunity for bonding between adult and baby.

1:2 Lessons

Some parents are keen to have their children swimming with a friend. The social aspect of the classes are understandably very important.  However, SwimWay has a very strict policy of no 1:2 lessons for children between the ages of 2-3 years.  Children of this age require far more support and hands-on instruction than those over the age of 3 years.  This restricts the instructor’s ability to take the children through the necessary skills and criteria of the programme.  Providing any less support than is needed can result in a health and safety risk – something we will not consider.

There are some exceptions. Almost 3 years old, and has been in our parent and baby programme for a number of terms?  A child like this would be able to swim in a 1:2 lesson if:

  • The regular instructor gives the go ahead
  • Their partner has a similar level of experience
  • Their partner is older than them but by no more than 3 or 4 months

Do you think you fall under this category? Would you like to book a 1:2 lesson? Do not hesitate to contact us and we will review.

That’s it!  We hope this guide helps you, and the next step is to…

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