Harrogate School of Swimming

Louise Aikman, the organiser of the Harrogate School of Swimming located in Knaresborough, wants to share some updates with the sports community. Louise's school offers group and private lessons for children from the age of 3 upwards. Her mission is to get young children acquainted with basic water skills and orientation in a warm, safe environment.

She also caters to adults with 1:1 lessons or smaller group sessions upon request, focusing on building water confidence. During Easter and Summer holidays, the school runs intensive week-long courses, providing both group and private sessions, along with diving lessons.

At Harrogate School of Swimming, there's a well-rounded awards programme. Kids can strive for their ASA Duckling Awards, where they earn five playful and colourful awards and badges. These awards make learning to swim an enjoyable experience with the help of parents or guardians. Additionally, the school offers the Swim England Learn to Swim Awards, which form the national syllabus for primary school-aged children.

Louise, along with her team of fully qualified Swim England instructors, is committed to providing a top-notch development scheme using the Swim England Amateur Learn to Swim Framework. Beginner classes are packed with games and toys to ensure the children have a great time while learning essential swimming skills.

Louise’s main goal is to create a positive atmosphere for swimmers, beginning with water confidence and gradually moving to stroke techniques and stamina. Swimmers are continuously assessed, with formal evaluations each term. Badges are handed out when swimmers master the skills required for each award, though not everyone might achieve an award every term due to the strict criteria.

Small group sizes, with no more than four children per group, ensure each child gets proper attention and can progress at their own pace. Instructors are hands-on, often being in the water with the children during the early stages of swimming. Lessons occur weekly during term time and last for 30 minutes.

The school also offers intensive courses during Easter and Summer and provides private lessons for all ages and skill levels upon request, whether for beginners or more advanced competitive swimmers.

Parents and swimmers have praised the school, noting the boost in confidence and the overall enjoyment of the lessons.

For more details about Harrogate School of Swimming, including lesson schedules and their awards programme, please visit their website or reach out to them directly.