Children's swimming development scheme
Toddlers - 4 1/2 years
30 minute duration
The toddler class is the first step into the main swimming development scheme. The class takes place in the shallow end of the teaching pool. Children will attend without an adult in the water and will work in a group environment. The aims of the class will be to build water confidence with an introduction to working with floats.
Associated award: Puffin
Childrens' Swimming Development Scheme
Beginner A: 5 years upward, 30 minutes duration
The class takes place in the shallow end of the teaching pool. These classes are aimed at non-swimmers and beginners. As with the Toddler class, children will build on water confidence. The aims of the class are to introduce a basic push and glide on both front and back, with an introduction to kicking and a basic arm action. Working with floats is still an important factor in this Class.
Associated Awards: NPTS Stage 1 & Puffin
Beginner B
30 minutes duration
The class either runs in lengths of the teaching pool or is at the deep end. These classes are aimed at the more confident beginner. Children need to know and be confident in handling floats. The aims of the class are to develop leg kick and basic arm action, an introduction to basic water skills and beginning to work without floats.
Associated Awards: NPTS Stage 2 & 5m
Beginner C
30 minutes duration
Pre requisite: 5 metres unaided
The class is held in the deep end of the teaching pool. Children need to be confident at working without floats on front and back. The aims of the class are to introduce and develop an overarm recovery action for both front crawl and backstroke. Breaststroke will be introduced and developed. There will be an introduction and some work in the main pool in preparation for moving up.
Associated Awards: NPTS Stage 3 & 10m
Post Beg A
30 minutes duration
Pre requisite: 10 metres unaided
The class is held in the shallow end of the main pool. Children need to be confident in the deeper water. The aims of the class are further development of front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke. Underwater swimming, sculling and treading water will be introduced. There will be an introduction to the deep end of the main pool and swimming in lengths.
Associated Awards: NPTS Stage 4 & 25m
Post Beg B
30 minutes duration
The class works in lengths against the wall. Children need to be confident in the deeper water and be comfortable swimming lengths. Continual development of the three main strokes, water skills and an introduction to the butterfly leg kick, sitting and standing dives will be introduced.
Associated Awards: NPTS Stage 5 & 50m & Challenge 1
Post Beg C
30 minutes duration
The class works in lengths. Children need to be confident in their strokes and at swimming lengths. Developing further with stroke technique, water skills and stamina.
Associated Awards: NPTS Stage 6 & 100m & Challenge 1
Intermediate
30 minutes duration
The class works in lengths. Children need to have a sound knowledge of all three main strokes and have reasonable stamina. Butterfly will be introduced as a full stroke and a further development of all water skills including diving and turns at the wall.
Associated Awards: NPTS Stage 7 & 200m & Challenge 2
Post Intermediate
30 minutes duration
The class works in lengths. Children need to be proficient in all three main strokes and confident in swimming lengths. Continual development of all water skills and stroke technique.
Associated Awards: NPTS Stage 8 Diving & NPTS Stage 8 Competitive Swimming & Bronze Challenge
Advanced
45 minutes duration
This is the final class in our Swimming Development Scheme. Children need to be proficient in all strokes and swim distance without undue stress. An introduction to some race techniques - starts and turns. Children will become competent in all strokes and water skills and basic survival skills.
Associated Awards: NPTS Stage 8 Diving & NPTS Stage 9 Competitive Swimming & Silver Challenge & Gold Challenge & 800m