Or was the swimming teacher rude?

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

Having finished last term with his 10 metre badge and able to swim without floats, he started the new term with a different swimming teacher, who has put the float back on him.

We've had a few lessons this term now and the float is still there so I went to speak to the teacher at the end of the lesson about my son's progress. I said that I can see he is holding on to the side a lot and wearing a float, but I know he can swim unaided. I was going to ask what she thought we could do to get him back to where he had been when she interrupted me and was quite confrontational, saying that she is the teacher so she makes the decisions and she knows better than me. I was quite taken aback at how rude she was. I am used to being able to talk to teachers about my child's progress and thought this was no different.

So aibu or was she rude? Should my son be back to wearing a float in lessons when he can swim without one?

I'd find a new teacher.

I wouldn't have someone teaching my child that I couldn't approach to discuss my child with. I'd complain and get them moved to a different group.

DS had a great teacher before. He really was good. However the stage he was at meant he was within his depth and whilst I knew full well he could swim, he kept putting his feet down and was in the stage for a year. He spent weeks and weeks swimming on his back which he could do very well, it was his front he needed to work on. I approached the teacher to say something about working on his front and he did kind of shut me down saying he did lesson plans weeks in advance and stuck to them. I could also tell he thought I was one of those pushy interfering parents.

Lo and behold, when DS finally moved up and he was out of his depth, he flew through that group, because he couldn't put his feet down, just like I had said. But what do I know eh! Stick to your guns OP.

So glad the first replies agree with me because I have sent an enquiry for a different swim school and sent a complaint in.

CrapBag my ds is similar, if he can put his feet down or is within arms reach of the wall then he's constantly putting his feed down or holding on. Put him in the middle of the pool and he can get to the other side!

It's very frustrating isn't it. DD is now doing the same, although she can't swim yet. She is trying but it's literally one stroke, feet down, one stroke feet down. Progress is going to be fairly slow.

I've had to change my DCs swimming groups a few times because I've seen better teachers and requested them to be moved to that particular group.

I'm glad you've complained. I have before when DS's teacher told him he was about to move up, then he trained someone else and left. Week after week DS was wondering why he hadn't moved up and the teacher wasn't interested when DS asked her about it. DS could do everything that was required. I complained by email. I was told they are not supposed to be told when they are near to moving up but the following week they assessed DS in the group above and subsequently moved him up as he was ready. We may not be swimming teachers but we know our own children and I find this sort of thing so frustrating.

I would certainly be finding another swimming teacher.
One is approachable, and less aggressive, as her behavior and attitude was aggressive. She's in the wrong vocation if she can not communicate effectively especially with parents. You can't let him attend somewhere if you can't approach the teacher. You want to check on his progression. Let's face it these lessons are not cheap, yes they may not cost a lot, but they don't cost a little either.
Yes she maybe his teacher but you're his mother. .