Frequently Asked Questions
We have a number of excellent, experienced instructors at The Potteries Swim School. All teachers are DBS checked, first aid trained and qualified to Swim England and STA standard Levels 1 and 2, in teaching swimming.
There is a maximum of 3 children to 1 teacher in Pre school and after school classes and a maximum of 4 pupils in parent and child classes
Our lessons run
Tuesday to Friday 9.30 - 14.00
Monday to Friday 15.45 - 17.45
Saturday 8.30 - 2.30
Tuesday to Friday 9.30 - 14.00
Monday to Friday 15.45 - 17.45
Saturday 8.30 - 2.30
This is dependent on the groups swimming abilty. Beginners tuition is always given with the teacher in the water.
If you haven't swum with us before please call on 01799 541591. Once you are booked on a course we will send you confirmation of your booking and then you can pay by BACs (we also accept Cheques or Cash payments). Payments are made a term in advance. Should you need to change group, time or day you can complete a form to request this.
If you are a swimmer with us already you will be sent a re-enrolment confirmation before the new term and as an existing customer an early-bird discount of £5 is available for prompt payments. Should you need to change group, time or day you can complete a form to request this.
If you are a swimmer with us already you will be sent a re-enrolment confirmation before the new term and as an existing customer an early-bird discount of £5 is available for prompt payments. Should you need to change group, time or day you can complete a form to request this.
If it is necessary to change your swimming group then you will need to complete a change of class request form
The waiting list can vary in length and is also dependant on the ability/age of the child. Places regularly come available on both the parent and toddler and pre-school classes. Please ask The Potteries for the current situation
Lessons cost £21.70 per week, a maximum of 3 children to 1 teacher in Pre school and after school classes and a maximum of 4 pupils in parent and child classes. Lessons are payable in full at enrolment before each block of lessons begins. If a child joins mid-way through a course they will pay for the remainder of the course. Fees are not refundable or transferrable under any circumstances.
Our group swimming lessons run with the school term. During Easter and Summer school holidays, we offer week-long crash courses.
It is not wise to bring your child swimming with anything more than a very mild cold. If you have any concerns regarding your child's health, please seek medical advice from the doctor before continuing swimming.
Anyone who has had a bout of diarrhoea should not swim for at least 48 hours.
Please email the office if you are going to be away, if we can offer an alternative lesson we will try but no promises made.
Unfortunately you will have to pay for the whole course
It is unlikely that The Potteries would close in the event of bad weather as we are on a main road. In the very unlikely event we had to cancel a lesson a credit would be issued.
In accordance with our child protection policy photographing or videoing is not allowed at The Potteries.
The Potteries has all the equipment necessary for your child's lesson. If the teacher feels that your child needs extra swimming aids they will supply them for you.
There are warm, comfortable and clean changing facilities at The Potteries. There are changing mats available for babies and a play pen in the Ladies Changing Room
When children are swimming in armbands we suggest that girls wear two-piece costumes and that boys wear swimming trunks. This means we do not need to remove armbands if a pupil need the toilet during a lesson making it quicker and easier
Whilst we appreciate some children may be a little scared at first, we do encourage water confidence, which includes putting their face in. If your child is particularly nervous of this, we will work with you and your child to help overcome this
We prefer that children do not wear googles while they are learning to swim. This helps to build water confidence. Goggles may be worn once children have passed their 10m award.
We have a policy that only one adult may enter the water with each child in their lesson but with regards to who brings your little one to class it's entirely up to you. We have mummies, daddies, grandparents, aunties, Nannies, special friends who all bring their little ones to swim.
All our teachers are very experienced in dealing with nervous children, if your child is particularly nervous they will work with you and your child to overcome this. Always remember to be positive with your child about their swimming.
We never like to say as every child will learn at their own pace. Factors such as their confidence, age , co-ordination, listening and learning skills and ability all determine how quickly they will learn. Parents can help by getting their child used to the water - even practising blowing bubbles in the bath is a great help! Using a watering can or bucket to shower them in the bath can also help.
The Potteries Swim School have their own awards system along with using the Swim England awards criteria. This method has been designed to provide your child with the motivation to improve their skills.
Pre-School groups and above - We request that Parents do not watch the classes this avoids distraction and improves the teacher pupil relationship. At the end of each term parents are invited to a 'watching week' session where you can watch your child swim.