Preparing for lessons

Preparing for swimming lessons

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Please do not worry if you are not water-confident yourself.  Explain to the teacher, and they will be with you every step of the way.  We will never force you to go under the water unless you are happy to.

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Vaccinations – NHS guidelines say that your baby does not need vaccinations before they go into the pool, so you can bring your baby along as soon as you are ready to.  If your baby was premature, it is best to check with your doctor first.

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Things to bring with you

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Happy Nappy – the Happy Nappy ensures that there are no leaks into the swimming pool and goes over the top of a disposable swim nappy.

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Happy Nappy Duo - does not require a disposable swim nappy underneath.   It is essential that your baby wears one in the pool in case of any little accidents.  Happy Nappies and Duo Nappies are available to purchase from our website and will be ready for collection at your first lesson.​

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Towel – one for you and one for your baby/child

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Nappy/Clothes to wear home

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Swimming costume for you

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Food/snacks for on the way home – please do not allow your child to have food in the changing rooms​

 

Arriving at the pool

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Wellesley
The school is set in 100 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside; therefore, the roads approaching the school are country lanes.  The postcode for the school is RG27 0AR.  When you arrive in the main car park, you will see signs for the school office over to the left-hand side.  Make your way to the school office.  Once you arrive at the school office, you will see the Sports Hall directly across the playground; the entrance to the pool is to the right of the sports hall (do not enter through the Sports Hall).  There are separate male and female changing rooms; showers and toilet cubicles are inside the changing rooms.   There are lockers available within the changing rooms. 

 

Swim Odiham
Drive down Churchill Avenue, past the Chinook on the left-hand side. There is parking on both sides of the road before the guard station; there is also an overflow car park. Please refer to Swim Odiham’s website for directions  https://www.swimodiham.co.uk/directions/ The entrance to the pool is on the left-hand side.  There are separate male and female changing rooms, showers and toilet cubicles are inside the changing rooms.   There are lockers available within the changing rooms. 

 

During the lessons

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Can I take photos during the lessons?

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Due to safeguarding regulations, you are not permitted to take photos during the lessons.  However, if you would like to take a photo of your baby at the pool, please check with the teacher so that you can take a photo when the lesson has finished and when other children are not in the shot too.

 

My child doesn’t like the noodle/mat?

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This can happen during the adult and child lessons, and we understand that sometimes younger children take time to get used to using a noodle or sitting on the large mat.  If this happens with your child, gently encourage them to continue.  If you are using a toy at the same time, encourage the child to focus on the toy distracting them from the noodle.  If they really don’t want to use it, put the noodle under your arm so that the child is not on the noodle and they can focus on the toy.  Your child will get used to it, but sometimes it might take a little time, and that is fine.  Always talk to the teacher if you are concerned at all during the lessons.

 

My baby is coughing/spluttering after they have gone under the water?

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This is completely normal when your baby is taken under the water and can happen sometimes.  This happens when the child is trying to clear the water at the back of their throat so that it doesn’t go into their lungs.  Try to stay nice and calm and cuddle the baby to reassure them.  Relaxed and calm parents/carers help to relax and calm the baby.