Swimming lessons in Ashford, Kent

The club runs a very successful ‘Learn to Swim’ programme of swimming lessons during term-time. It provides a fantastic opportunity for children to develop water confidence and swimming skills, in a fun, yet structured way. Our teaching programme follows the Swim England National Plan for Teaching Swimming.

There are 10 stages, which each swimmer will progress through as levels and awards are achieved.

Coordinators

Sophie Steel
James Fabian

Administration

Sophie Steel

Teachers

Darren Curtis
Kiera Chase
Davinia Norley
Zuraida Curtis
Gemma Collins
James Fabian
Levi Atwell
Sophie Steel (Administrator)

All of our teachers and helpers are unpaid. We do, however, aim to have regular teachers. It is always the case that we are looking for new helpers so if you are regularly watching and feel that you have something to offer please let us know. If you are a qualified swim teacher or have some competitive swimming experience, that would be ideal. However, there are various jobs where swimming knowledge is not required. If you are keen we will find you a job!

Schedule

Day	Stages	Location	Pool	Time
Tuesday	Stages 1 - 2	Stour Centre	Learner Pool	18:00 to 18:30
Tuesday	Stages 3 - 5	Stour Centre	Main Pool	18:00 to 18:30
Tuesday	Stages 6 - 8	Stour Centre	Main Pool	18:30 to 19:00
Thursday	Stages 1 - 2	Stour Centre	Learner Pool	18:00 to 18:30
Thursday	Stages 3 - 5	Stour Centre	Main Pool	18:00 to 18:30
Thursday	Stages 6 - 8	Stour Centre	Main Pool	18:30 to 19:00

Beginners – Stages 1 and 2. 30 minute lessons once per week. Either a Tuesday or Thursday evening.

Development – Stages 3 to 8. 30 minute lessons twice per week. Both Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Lessons run 46 weeks of the year; monthly memberships have been adjusted to take this into account. There are 4 weeks off in the summer (typically the whole of August) and 2 weeks off over Christmas and New Year. Excluding those 6 weeks lessons run continuously throughout the year, through school holidays and half-terms.

Enquiries

if you are interested in your child joining our ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, please provide the following information when you contact us.

We take children from the age of 4 in Stage 1. We are happy to take children’s details in advance of their 4th birthday so that they can start soon after.

Full name
Date of birth
Has your child completed any formal Learn to Swim lessons?
If so, what is the highest stage that they have completed?

We will then be able to provide you with accurate information regarding potential waiting lists and session times.

Kit

We expect all swimmers to arrive in correct attire and on time ready for each session. All teaching equipment is provided by the club.

Boys – swimming trunks or specific swimming shorts (not baggy), Girls – swimming costume, Both – swimming goggles and swimming hats if you have long hair.

Attendance

Attendance at all scheduled sessions is compulsory. The absolute minimum expected attendance across any one cycle is 80%. In the case of a one-off missed session there is no need to inform the club. However, if your swimmer misses three or more consecutive sessions please let us know the reason so that it can be marked on the register. If your swimmer is missing consecutive sessions without an explanation, we may assume that they have left and the place could potentially be allocated to another person.

Assessment

All swimmers advance at different speeds and improvement is typically non-linear. It is normal for swimmers to spend longer in some classes and shorter in others and improve in ‘fits and spurts’.

There is a comprehensive assessment process in place, and all swimmers are constantly reviewed. We also run specific assessments, which are carried out regularly across all groups (usually without parent or swimmer knowledge) so we can have a full and true picture of each individual’s progress.

If your child is ready to move at the end of the assessment and there is a space in the next stage, they will be moved.

Club Championships

Our championships are held annually. For swimmers in our ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, we hope that it is a gentle first foray into the world of competitive swimming. These championships are open to all our members, but it is not appropriate for Stages 1, 2 and 3. All swimmers in Stage 4 and beyond may enter and guidance on entries is below. You will also find this in the entry pack information:

8 YEARS AND UNDER

STAGES 6 TO 8

All four 25m races

STAGE 5

25m Freestyle and 25m Backstroke (+25m Breaststroke subject to teacher approval)

STAGE 4

25m Freestyle and/or 25m Backstroke

9 YEARS AND OLDER

STAGE 4

Not applicable

STAGES 5

Two from four 50m races

STAGES 6 TO 8

Three from four 50m races

4x25m IM

100m Freestyle + another 100m event

200m Freestyle