Swimming Lessons for Children - Frequently Asked Questions

Babies can start from around 3–6 months old in parent & baby classes, while preschool lessons usually begin from 2–4 years old depending on confidence and development.

Yes, in parent & baby sessions a parent or carer enters the water with the child, helping them feel safe, supported and confident.

Preschool lessons focus on water confidence, floating, basic movement, breath control and safety skills, all delivered through fun games and structured activities.

Most lessons are 30 minutes long, which is the ideal time to keep children engaged while learning effectively.

A child needs to be at least 3 years old to go in a class on their own. We recommend they have some experience in a swimming pool / parent + child class before this. Our qualified teaching team will advise you if they think it is the right time for you to step out of the water

For your swimming lesson, please bring your swimming kit, including a swimsuit and towel.

We recommend also bringing goggles and a swimming hat, especially for longer hair or to help keep hair out of the face in the pool. All other equipment needed for the lesson will be provided.

After-school lessons focus on stroke development, water safety, distance swimming and building confidence, often following structured stages such as the Swim England framework.

Children are usually assessed on their first lesson and placed into the most suitable group based on ability and confidence, not just age.

Progress varies, but with regular attendance most children develop basic swimming skills within a term or two, while full confidence can take longer.

Yes, children are continuously assessed and can move up when they are ready, ensuring they are always challenged but confident.

As per Swim Englands recommendation, we award badges 3 times a year.

Parent and Baby / Pre-School

Beginners – Discovery Duckling Badges (Each Term)
Parent and Child – Discovery Ducklings (Each Term)

Learn to Swim Badges (Stage 1 - 7)

Spring Term
Summer Term
Autumn Term 

When your swimmer is ready to move up to the next stage of swimming, this is actioned as soon as they complete the criteria. We will advise you of this and offer you the opportunity to buy the relevant stage badge.

Badges are £5 and can be purchased through our online store.

Goggles are optional and entirely your choice. However, please make sure they fit properly, as we don’t want children adjusting or playing with them during the lesson. If needed, it can help to practise wearing them in the bath beforehand.

Yes anyone can bring your child swimming, however please let the teachers / swim school know in advance by emailing hss.swimstars@gmail.com