Puddle Ducks is Cheshire's' most successful swimming school. We pride ourselves in our ability to develop our 'Puddle Ducks' through our progressive programme. Developing essential life skills through confidence building, independence, physical and mental stimulus and bonding which lead to water safety awareness and independent swimming at an age they are physically and mentally ready.
We are an accredited STA Starfish school, allowing even our babies to achieve the STA level 1 Starfish award. Our programme consists of term time sessions of 30 minutes, any longer and baby/toddler gets tired and over stimulated. Babies/toddlers and children can join at any age.
Our programme consists of songs, rhyme and activities suited to their own development stage and consist of the following:
Floaties ( birth to 6 months) - a gentle, calm and relaxing session, introducing baby to the water environment. The pace is slow, with emphasis on eye and skin to skin contact and allowing parent and baby to spend some special bonding time together. We also spend some time slowly encouraging gentle praise as their physical natural reflexes become apparent, as this is what we eventually encourage into voluntary movements. Star fish 1 award.
'I've found the classes really helped me as much as Asher! I've gradually gained confidence in holding Asher in the water (and letting go!) the classes adapt to the development of the child to prepare you for the older classes' Tracy Barral with Asher.
Splashers (6 -12 months) - songs and activities are carefully balanced to ensure they have fun and stay relaxed, particularly loving splashes and bubbles. We encourage them to make splashes and kick movements, reaching for their toys and playing in the water. Underwater we focus on activities to maintain trust and confidence, responding to their cues. Physical development is significant in these sessions and by the end may be using woggles independently. Starfish 2 award.
Kickers (12 months to 2 years) - loving to play, splash and jump in, kick their legs and chase balls. Independence is promoted through jumping in and developing independent swimming on two short woggles. Development of bubble blowing at this stage provides the foundations for exhaling in the water. Starfish 3 award.
'Beatrice has improved week by week this term and as her confidence grows so does her enjoyment! I think this is definitely down to the structure of the classes and the relaxed and friendly teaching. We both love it!' Rachel Hammond with Beatrice
Little Dippers (2 ½ and above, for non Puddle ducks, 2 years for existing Puddle Ducks) - we concentrate in this session on encouraging movement through the water unaided, responding more to the teacher, although parents are still in the water. Developing their independence and confidence. Focusing more on swimming basics on their front, jumping and balance, achieved through fun activities. Starfish 4 and 5 awards.
'Fun structured lessons with very friendly competent staff' Lynn Paolman with Eve
Dippers (progressed from Little Dippers) - emphasis here is to develop swimming and breathing skills, with lots of fun activities. They can already swim a short distance and jump in from poolside from standing.
More Information on Puddle Ducks
If you need any additional information please do not hesitate to contact Amanda Shenton on:
Tel: 01606 837403
E-mail: enquiries.southcheshire@puddleducks-swimming.co.uk
Web: www.puddleducks-swimming.co.uk
