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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Recommended swimming lessons in Kingston/Teddington/Twickenham/Richmond?

26 replies

rabbitrabbit · 12/09/2006 11:59

Hello, can anyone recommend swimming lessons within an hours drive of Teddington, Middlesex? It's for my 3yr old ds.

Thanks

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angelsmummy · 12/09/2006 12:26

Hi not sure if theres one near you but check www dot swimtime dot org

My daughter has one to one lessons, its £20 for half an hour but I'd truly recommend, well worth every penny!

The website gives all local classes. good luck!

angelsmummy · 12/09/2006 12:29

Forgot to say my daughter was 3 when she started and really gained so much water confidence within the first 4 lessons, after 6 lessons she has passed the first 4 duckling certificates that come with a cute little sew on badge, really makes her happy every time she collects a new badge

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 12/09/2006 19:04

Thanks alot angelsmummy, I'll look them up

OP posts:

cane · 14/09/2006 14:44

pools on the park in richmond is very good.

foxinsocks · 14/09/2006 14:47

hi rabbit

well no doubt you've tried the pool at Teddington. You can do classes there but they have a ridiculous system where you all have to queue up on one day. We've never done them there but others have said they are ok - v much depending on the teacher and size of class.

We have done Springboard Swimming. It's at Stanley pool when they are beginniners (they have a v small, indoor pool) - they do 1 teacher to 3 but it is much more expensive than Teddington. I also think they prefer to take them when they are 4.

There's also Patterson Penguins (can't remember where that takes place but it's at one of the private schools!).

Finally, once he's at nursery, he gets to swim at the outdoor Collis pool for half a term in the summer.

foxinsocks · 14/09/2006 14:50

also (forgot to say!) in the summer term, you can do swimming lessons at the outdoor pool in Hampton. Mine both loved these and they are v v competitively priced. However, obviously there are days when the weather is not so nice!

CountessDracula · 14/09/2006 15:01

Pools on the park annoy me by not having anything at weekends

Dh wants to take dd but they won't do classes on a saturday

singersgirl · 14/09/2006 20:03

I like the swimming classes at Putney Leisure Centre, but they are closed for refurbishment this term, starting again in January. They may be a bit far for you.

I've tried Pools on the Park as well, a few years back, and we're trying it again this term for DS2 (5).

amicissima · 04/10/2006 17:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mummydear · 04/10/2006 18:00

How about the new Leisure Centre at Walton or even Hurst Pool in East Molesey. Once you have got swimming lessons there you can join something called 'Swim Academy' where you automatically go into next class with out having to queue up etc and you can pay by monthly dire ct debit.

also when you are members of SWim Academy whenver you take the children swimming the kids go free, dicount also off booking pool parties and swim gear.

Dont have contact details to hand at moment sorry.But have a look at Elmbrdige Borough Council Website if necessary.

Swimmimg Academy is run at both sites.

foxtrottingtotransylvania · 04/10/2006 18:10

Splash School at Sunbury Leisure Centre (if you can go on a monday morning you'll probably get in without waiting on the list, as it's a very quiet time)

Mumptious · 26/10/2006 14:45

singersgirl- We have just moved to Putney and are thinking about signing up for swimming (ds is 6mths) once the centre is refurbished. I take it you would recommend it?

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 26/10/2006 14:49

Thanks for all the information everyone (Hi Fox!)

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foxinsocks · 26/10/2006 19:10

Hi rabbit, how are you doing? Was thinking of you today because I'm planning on taking the kids to the pool (possibly tomorrow). Must be nearly time for your trip (I seem to remember it was around the fireworks time!).

singersgirl · 26/10/2006 20:31

Mumptious, just seen this. I think the swimming lessons at Putney are pretty good, better than Pools on the Park (DS2 is at P on the P this term as Putney is closed until January). There are smaller classes and the teachers stay in the water until the kids are in the big pool, so they can show them and help them more.

Mumptious · 26/10/2006 22:37

Thank you so much. I think we will certainly sign up in Jan. I was thinking of going to Fulham Pools for now, but do you know if Pools on the Park has a pool that I can take my six month old to as well?

We have just moved to the area so am trying to get myself organised with things to do as I have spent the last six months househunting and moving, so now I have lots of free time to enjoy my ds!

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 27/10/2006 15:55

Hi Fox, doing well thanks. And you?
We're off to scotland next Friday-we seem to have acquired some travelling partners along the way though as friends are now coming with us for the first few days!
Enjoy fireworks, looking forward to seeing them again next year x

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foxinsocks · 27/10/2006 15:58

We are ok (though I'm a bit sleep deprived!). Was in the pool this morning keeping an eye out for a nursery boy and his mum . Enjoy Scotland! Went for a walk down by the river and see that the Anglers are doing a charity (RNLI) fireworks display on the 5th Nov so you've probably chosen a good week to go away!

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 27/10/2006 16:02

I saw that about the Anglers and thought "wah!"
Actually, in the last week both ds and I have had colds and I've somehow managed to pull my back out twice! So, I'm feeling very sorry for myself and we've hardly been out.

We'll probably find out that the cottage we're renting in Scotland is next to the largest fireworks display up there...moan moan moan

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spooxooky · 27/10/2006 16:51

little dippers do a class in ham. they are super, if a touch pricey. but really wonderful.

Mumptious · 27/10/2006 17:09

spooxooky - have done Little Dippers in Chiswick, ds loved it but they were pricey and also not v flexible if you need to miss a class, which is a blow when you pay £100 for only six classes!

Putney seems much better value at about £80 for 13 lesson, and I can walk there!

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 27/10/2006 19:51

Spooxooky and Mumptious (thanks) I've looked at the little dippers website and it looked, I think, as if it may be targeted at younger children-babies? My ds is 3.
Was there a larger age range? I do like the look of these classes and would be really interested in taking ds there.
Thanks

OP posts:

Mumptious · 27/10/2006 22:47

I have seen bigger children but they tend to be several stages ahead. All the stage one, two and threes that I have seen are v little ones (less than a year), but it might be worth asking. There is a nice woman called Louisa who might be able to help you. You can mail her to her name at littledipper. co dot uk

Mumptious · 27/10/2006 22:48

sorry littledippers. co dot uk

lazycow · 30/10/2006 10:17

I don't think little Dippers take anyone for Stage 1 after 12 months old.

I would recommend anyone using them to start really early. I did stage 1 with ds when he was 11 months old and he was so scared by the whole thing I had to leave it a year before we stared going swimming again (started agin this month).

Doesn't Kingston Leisure centre do swimming lessons?

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