We have a clear pathway that helps swimmers of all ages and abilities progress. Starting with Parent and Child sessions, we move through Learn to Swim levels, and into competitive squads. Each step is designed to build on the previous one, helping swimmers develop their skills progressively.

For everyone’s privacy and safety, we don’t allow photography or filming during lessons. We also ask that mobile phones are kept out of the changing rooms.

You’re welcome to watch from the designated viewing areas. This helps keep the poolside safe and distraction-free.

We ask that you direct any questions or feedback to reception or via email, so the teachers and coaches can focus on the sessions.

Teachers/Coaches regularly assess your child’s progress and update their profile on our booking platform. This allows you to track how they’re doing over time.

When your child is ready to move up, we’ll notify you by email. You can then choose a new session time that suits you

If the class you want is full, don’t worry—your child will continue to receive quality instruction in their current session until a spot opens up.

Yes, we issue certificates to mark significant milestones and achievements. It’s a great way for your child to see how far they’ve come.

If a teacher or coach can’t make it, one of our expert team will cover.

Our teachers and coaches are highly qualified, holding Swim England Level 2 certifications or equivalent. They also undergo regular training in first aid, safeguarding, and more to ensure they’re fully equipped to support your child’s swimming journey.

Yes, it’s completely safe and hygienic to swim while on your period. You can use tampons, menstrual cups, or period swimwear.

We follow strict protocols to maintain water quality, including regular checks of filtration, chlorine levels, and pH. The pool is tested multiple times daily to ensure a clean and safe environment.

When managed correctly, the chemicals used in pool disinfection are safe. We adhere to the guidelines set by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) to maintain a safe swimming environment.

It’s normal for children to go through phases, including becoming more nervous or clingy. Stay calm, keep bringing them to lessons, and try to make the experience as positive as possible. The teacher can also offer tips to help your child regain their confidence.

It can be tough when your child refuses to get in the pool. Stay patient, offer gentle encouragement.

It’s totally normal for younger children to need swim nappies. Just make sure they’re double-layered for added protection. If your child is potty trained, but still has accidents, you can always step out of the class for a quick bathroom break.

If your child can’t support their head yet, your teacher will show you the safest ways to hold them during the lesson.

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy these sessions with your child. If you’re comfortable in shallow water, that’s all you need. Let the teacher know if you have any concerns.

If you’re nervous about the water, talk to us. We can offer advice or arrange lessons to help you build your own confidence so you can enjoy the experience with your child.

Absolutely. We welcome all forms of appropriate swimwear. Just let us know if you have specific needs.

When your child completes the parent and baby sessions and turns 3, they’ll be ready to move up to the next level. Your teacher will guide you on the next steps.

We aim to include all children in our lessons. If your child has additional needs, please discuss these with us so we can tailor the sessions to suit them.

Every child is different, so the time it takes to progress varies. Some move quickly, while others need a bit more time. What’s important is that they’re enjoying the process and developing at their own pace.

If you feel your child is ready to move up but hasn’t been recognised yet,. Our teachers ensure that all required skills are consistently demonstrated before awarding a certificate.

We recommend completing at least Level 7 of the Learn to Swim programme, as this provides a strong foundation in swimming. From there, your child can choose to continue into more advanced levels or join our competitive squads.

If your child hasn’t quite mastered all the skills, they can continue to work on them in their current group or as they move up. Our teachers will ensure they receive the support they need.

We strive to include all children in our Learn to Swim programme. Our teachers are trained to adapt lessons to meet the needs of every child.

Our teachers use a range of buoyancy equipment like noodles, floats, and arm discs to help your child as they learn. These are provided during the lessons.

Please bring a swimsuit (no bikinis for girls), a swim hat, goggles, flip-flops, and a towel. Swimmers in squad training sessions will be informed of any additional equipment they require.

Yes, we do offer private lessons. Check with your local site for availability.

Yes, our lessons run year-round. Please check with your local site for more details.

AP Race Swimming Academy recommends three key elements to focus on as a parent to ensure your swimmer gets the most out of their swimming journey. These three things are:

– Ensuring you put your child’s experience first before everything, make sure the decisions you are making as a parent keeps your child happy.
– Keep one eye on the ‘wider ripples’ of your decisions, make sure they benefit your child in the near and distant future
– Follow your child’s lead and be driven by your child’s goals. At a young age a child’s main objective from swimming may just be to have fun and as they get older the goals may get more serious. It is okay to let them progress with their goals in this way! As parent, you need to ensure you are not imposing your beliefs of what they need to get out of one session onto your child so that they lose the enjoyment of the sport.

By doing all three of these things, you will be giving your swimmer the best support they could ask for. For more information, you can access our parent support resources on the following link.

https://aprace.club/parents/resources

Yes, you will need to buy equipment for those swimmers in squads, the kit list for squads is as follows:

• Kickboard
• Pull Buoy
• Training fins
• Flat hand paddles
• Training snorkel (without face mask)
• Mesh bag (to keep all of this kit in)

Children’s rates of progression are all very different so it is difficult to give an accurate picture of when this will happen exactly for each individual child. Our coaches are trained to ensure that each child is given the best quality service to improve their swimming, and it will be the coaches’ decision on when a child has completed all of the squad outcomes and is then ready to move onto the next squad.

If your child wants to stop, have a conversation with their coach first to explore any concerns. If they still wish to leave, there’s no obligation to continue.

To reach peak fitness and refine techniques, more frequent training is necessary. It’s a key part of preparing for competition and achieving personal bests.