To want my money back for these expensive private swimming classes?

[NotMyPenguin]

Genuinely not sure if I'm being unreasonable.

DD (3) had some private swimming classes last year which she loved. It was just for a term, so she didn't learn to swim, but it got her confident going in to the water and excited about learning things like kicking, putting her face in the water etc. The classes are private but with one other child.

I just booked for another term -- 12 lessons at £30 each (just my DD's share). It was labelled as a non-swimmers class. And DD went off to her first class with my mum.

Apparently it was a disaster. The first thing I heard her say when I asked how it was was 'I didn't like it'. She told my mum she would rather have been at home. My mum says that the other little girl in the class was able to swim, which DD can't, but DD was asked to do all the same things as her, and valiantly tried but couldn't (for example, putting her head underwater and kicking at the same time). It's completely put her off swimming.

We've only had one class, but I've paid for the whole lot (£360!) and their cancellation policy says they'll only refund up to 50%. But I really don't think it was a non-swimmers class, and I also don't think the teacher can be very good if it's had this terrible effect - she always used to love her classes and get so excited about them.

AIBU to want a full refund? I know it's early days, but I don't want to persevere and have the experience put her off completely.

I'm sure at that kind of money they will be only to happy to try and accommodate your daughter , be it a different teacher or a different pairing . I think it's a bit rash to ask for your money back without at least giving them a chance . FWIW I paid £20-25 for private 1:1 swimming lessons for my ds at a private gym and that was 18 yrs ago .

My dh pays 25/mth direct debit for weekly swimming lessons over 12 months. The kids ones are 10/mth. To be honest I would have expected my dc to learn during the initial 'non-swimming' classes over a term - both dh and dd learned how to swim in the water albiet imperfectly in a term.

You are being seriously ripped off.

But putting your head under and kicking is basic beginner stuff so I am not sure what their is to complain about other than DD doesn't want to do it. If they have paid pool hire that's why they will only refund 50%. I'd take her myself next time!

I called up the swim school and explained that it hadn't gone well. They offered us an earlier class with another child who was a non-swimmer. I also talked to DD about being able to say no if she felt she wasn't ready do something yet.

Yes, kicking and putting your head under is basic beginner stuff, but it's pretty scary if you haven't yet been told about breathing out when your head is under! Last time she was coughing and swallowing lots of water, which definitely isn't the way to teach swimming.

After I coaxed DD back to swimming class this week, though, it went really well -- the other child was also a non-swimmer, which made it easier for the teacher as they were both at the same level, and the teacher was more supportive and reassuring with her. The end result is that she is excited about swimming again rather than dreading it.

Thanks to posters for your helpful comments!

My driving lessons are cheaper then that. I think I'm in the wrong job!

Glad it went well.

We pay £14 per half hour for 1:1 coaching. 2:1 is I think £12 a session. We are a long way from London though!

I know it's expensive!

There is just nothing local for children her age (nearly 4) that we can get to otherwise, and I thought it was important for her to learn to swim. I tried taking her myself but I was rubbish at it.

The lady who did the course (just a few weeks) last year was amazing and it was totally worth the money though. Not so brilliant this time but hopefully ok now.

I agree, which is why we pay £14 for excellent 1:1 rather than £4 for group lessons. I'm looking into adult beginners lessons for myself at the moment and hoping against hope I can get them included in my gym membership.

Isn't it funny how much variation there is, though? Round here the cheapest are at the (council) leisure centre, then the sixth form college is a bit more expensive, and the private gyms are more again, and the franchised companies eg Puddle Ducks are eye watering.