Swimming lessons for a 3.5 year old - which teaching ratio to go for? Is 2:1 that much better that 4:1?

[TheBlonde]

Finally sorting out some lessons for DS. I haven't really taken him swimming for a year so he is a beginner

Options are 4:1, 2:1 or 1:1
Obviously the lower ratios are more money

How much difference does it make to how quickly they learn?

Well, lots depends on his personality and the personalities of the other children at that age. A group of 4 reasonably behaved children can achieve lots and often seeing a peer 'get it' spurs the others on. However, if one of them spends the whole lesson crying or misbehaving it spoils it for the rest. At that age children can be a bit unpredictable, but personally I'd give 1:4 a go and change if it doesn't work.

In answer to how much difference in terms of how quickly they learn - hardly any if in a good group of up to 4 (more than that & group size does ake a difference imo). How he gels with the teacher is more important though.

dd1 and dd2 both had ratios of at LEAST 4:1, sometimes 6:1

both learned perfectly well

in fact I tried 1:1 and dd2 didnt like it, she had fun with the other kids

also dont worry about 'quickly'

thats down to the teahcer and the individual child

as snorkle jsut said

At what age did they learn, Enid? My daughter will be 3.8 in July and am looking at classes... will 4:1 do?

well I took/take mine a lot BEFORE they had classes so they were very water confident by 3.8

the classes that I think are the best locally dont take them until they are almost 4. Dd2 was 4.11 iirc (september start, her birthday is in oct), she has had 6:1 for the past year and is a good swimmer now (although lacking in stamina - she can swim a length with some style but does end up with just her nose showing by the time she gets to the end )

dd2 likes the social side of it [remembers to pack earplugs for the changing room ]

Thanks everyone, I will try the 4:1 to start with