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AIBU?

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Original poster

To say no to swimming lessons at nursery?

36 replies

PattyCow · 08/05/2019 19:30

We are moving and I went to see a new nursery that we will potentially move DD 2.5 to next autumn. The lady showing us around mentioned that all the children will have swim lessons in their pool. Am I right to feel uncomfortable with this? DD has never had swimming lessons. I'm worried that as they are still building the pool she will be part of the first group through.

OP posts:
DitheringBlidiot · 08/05/2019 19:35

Why does it make you uncomfortable?

keepingbees · 08/05/2019 19:37

They are not compulsory, but what is worrying you?

Geminijes · 08/05/2019 19:39

Why don't you want her to be part of the first group having lessons in a new pool?

RabbityMcRabbit · 08/05/2019 19:39

Why do they make you feel uncomfortable? Knowing how to swim is an essential life skill

Agednotwine · 08/05/2019 19:39

I'd sign up to that nursery for that reason alone. Brilliant skill to learn.

PrincessConsuelaBananahamm0ck · 08/05/2019 19:41

Why would you not want this? Sounds brilliant! What are your concerns?

Laura221 · 08/05/2019 19:42

My children started from 3. It's great to make them comfortable in water.

happyhillock · 08/05/2019 19:43

I wouldn't have a problem with it, it's important to learn to swim, dd will probably enjoy it

Imaystillbedrunk · 08/05/2019 19:43

I'd love this, considering how expensive swimming lessons for toddlers and babies are, not forgetting the faff of getting them dressed afterwards.

They'll have qualified swim instructors who will run the lessons.

Original poster
PattyCow · 08/05/2019 19:44

I suppose I'm concerned about not being in the water with her and that they will be new at it as well. With DS I was still in the pool for lessons when he was 2-3. I think I was on the side when he was 4 although I can't really remember.

OP posts:
GreyGables · 08/05/2019 19:44

Totally get your concern. It’s a big leap to assume that your daughter will be comfortable enough to be happy at swimming lessons, and a bigger leap to do so apart from you. 2.5 is really quite young for independent swimming lessons. When I’ve taken kids before as part of my job, the youngest where parent isn’t in the pool with them was about 3.5 in preschool year (& even then I sat on poolside and watched & had to bring child to poolside, change etc).

LL83 · 08/05/2019 19:44

Sounds fantastic. Brilliant use of nursery time. Lessons are important and awkward to fit in after work and difficult to get a space in the evening.

I expect it will be well supervised and instructor in the water. Ask and they will probably reassure you.

Invisimamma · 08/05/2019 19:45

Nursery near us transports kids to swimming lessons at the local pool. I think it's great that kids in full time childcare aren't missing out on learning to swim (of course they can go at weekends but it's one less thing for parents to schedule if nursery can help with it).

A pool onsite is an amazing facility. By all means ask about water safety measures, risk assessment and ratios but don't rule it straight away.

The nursery workers who manage to get them all changed deserve a medal 😁.

iamkahleesi · 08/05/2019 19:45

That would make me extra keen to sign up to the nursery. Swimming is such an important skill and lessons are so expensive.

Invisimamma · 08/05/2019 19:46

My dad started swimming lessons without me at 2.5.

iamkahleesi · 08/05/2019 19:46

They will have to have staff specifically qualified to lead swimming lessons so they will know what they're doing.

AlwaysColdHands · 08/05/2019 19:48

My daughter had nursery swimming lessons, did absolute wonders for her confidence in the water and general independence. I made sure we went swimming regularly beforehand so that it wasn’t a totally new experience.
Trust them!

Aragog · 08/05/2019 19:49

I am assuming they will be properly trained and will be in the water with them.

Could save you a fortune in paying for swimming lessons yourself if done well.

Many children do start swimming lessons at 3+ and don't have a parent in with them.

Deelish75 · 08/05/2019 19:49

I think you need to find out more about how it will be organised and who will be teaching her.
My DD has been having lessons since just after her 3rd birthday. She’s in a shallow pool with up to 7 other 3-4 yr olds, an instructor sometimes a helper and a lifeguard on the side, it’s fine I’ve never had any worries whilst she’s been in the water - I and other parents sit on the side.
It’s in a council run pool which I think does have to follow government guidelines not sure how that works with private set ups.

ZippyBungleandGeorge · 08/05/2019 19:50

Fantastic facility, it would be a plus point for me. I take DS swimming every Wednesday (baby class) and before us is a class of 3 year olds. They are in the water with just the instructor, that they were jumping off the side and through a hoop touching the bottom and then coming up outside of the hoop. The instructor told me they have a parent or nursery teacher in the water up to three

ZippyBungleandGeorge · 08/05/2019 19:51

*today

KMoKMo · 08/05/2019 19:52

That would make me extra keen to sign up to the nursery. Swimming is such an important skill and lessons are so expensive.

This. Plus I hate getting everyone changed afterwards. I’d love to have a nursery that offers swimming near me.

Acis · 08/05/2019 20:00

Why haven't you taken her to a swimming pool yet? I'd suggest you do so immediately, for her sake.

OhForkItThen · 08/05/2019 20:00

I’d be wary too, swimming is obviously great but so high risk not to be present for at that age. Nursery staff vary in attitude, and it could be a large number at once. I’d need to really see what was going on to be totally sure, and ask a lot of questions

Lazypuppy · 08/05/2019 20:01

Sounds brilliant, i'd choose that nursery just for that

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