Things parents often ask

We take babies from birth with our parent-and-child classes at Stanley School. Independent swimming lessons typically begin around age 3–4, when a child is confident without a parent in the water. We teach children up to age 11.

All lessons are 30 minutes long. Lessons run back to back throughout the session, so there’s usually another class starting as yours finishes.

We cap classes at a maximum of 4 children per teacher — significantly smaller than most council programmes — so every child gets genuine individual attention in every lesson.

We teach four levels: Beginner, Improver, Stroke Improver, and Advanced. We also offer Baby and Parent & Child lessons for children under 3, and private one-to-one lessons for children who want to accelerate their progress.

Just get in touch and describe where your child is with their swimming — Hayley will recommend the right starting level. We’d always rather place a child correctly than have them frustrated in the wrong class.

Yes — if your child is progressing faster than expected we won’t hold them back. We’ll discuss it with you and move them up when a suitable space is available. Progress always comes first.

Yes — we offer private 1:1 lessons where your child gets the undivided attention of one of our teachers. Ideal for children who want to accelerate progress, work on a specific stroke, or who benefit from a quieter environment. Get in touch to enquire.

Term-time lessons follow the school calendar and don’t run during school holidays. We do offer holiday intensive courses during some school holiday periods — check our Holiday Courses page for upcoming dates.

We follow the STA International Learn to Swim Programme, from STAnley First Steps through to the Shark series. Our focus is always on genuine development rather than just ticking badge boxes. Full details on our Badge Scheme page.