HELEN - WINNER
Helen is absolutely brilliant! So good with the kids, professional, engaging, makes everyone feel at ease and funny with it too. Freddie is loving his lessons with Helen.
Caroline Nichol with Freddie
Helen is so much fun and has lots of patience. She treats every child individually, according to their ability and is so encouraging. Jenson loves his lessons.
Thankyou Helen xxx
Jo & Jenson Hutchesson
Helen is brilliant with the kids in the class and a fantastic teacher! Milo’s confidence in the water and swimming skills has increased so much since he started. He’s never stuck at an activity before, but he loves swimming and looks forward to his lessons with Helen every week!
Jessica Rollitt with Milo
She is very dedicated and efficient while teaching and dealing with parents and swimmers. We swim with her for years and the kids learned loads and love her!
Tiago Nogueira with Davi & Naomi
George has found being in the water a challenge, but Helen is so patient with him and really able to go at his pace. As a result he’s starting to feel more comfortable in the water - last week we got a half smile and this week we got big giggles! Seeing him grow in confidence in the water has been wonderful and I’ve no doubt it’s down to Helen’s patience and flexibility - there’s never any pressure and she’s full of helpful (but not overbearing) suggestions, which has been just what George needs. Thankyou so much Helen!
Rosie Brynes with George
Indie was very scared at her first swimming lesson and didn't want to get in the water. Helen was so warm and kind to her that day and really put her at ease. Indie hasn't looked back since.
Charlotte McFarlane with Indie
I would like to nominate Helen and Lauren (it looks like I am able to choose not just one) because they are both wonderful with kids.
We swam with Helen for nearly a 1.5 years and Beatrix came a long way under her guidance.
We have Lauren now and she gives Beatrix a little nudge and encouragement here and there and I can already see that her confidence in the water has grown even more.
Thank you all for your hard work.
Agnes Anderson & Beatrix
Helen is really enthusiastic, friendly, patient and makes Duncan’s lessons really fun. We love our swimming lessons with Helen.
Andrew McLeavy & Duncan
Helen is a very positive teacher, always has a smile, is encouraging even when my little one doesn’t do what he is meant to be doing. You can see she clearly had a passion for what she does and this is evident in the way she teaches. My little one responds really well to her and as a result of her engaging lessons he had made such brilliant progress with her.
Charlotte & Elias Phillips
Helen goes above and beyond to make sure the lessons are inclusive and accessible for our daughter who has hearing loss. She sends outlines of the lesson plan every week so that we know exactly what to expect, and signs during the lessons to ensure our daughter can understand instructions when she doesn’t have her hearing aids in. We’re delighted to have found Puddle Ducks and feel very lucky to have Helen as our teacher.
Laura & Imogen Marples
Helen is so lovely and friendly. Always makes you feel at ease in lessons and you know you and your little one are in safe and capable hands. She seems to genuinely care about the children and is proud of their successes.
Stacey Louise Wilson & Arlo
Kind and patient instruction, with a keen-ness to develop their swimming.
Laura Davies with William and Evelyn
She’s fantastic- always gets the best out of all the students in the group. Was amazing when my daughter first started as was so nervous she could barely get in the pool, she worked her magic and now almost a year on she achieved her 5m badge! Thank you Helen x
Marianne Bolton & Evie
She is a phenomenal teacher and a really wonderful person
Keira Lunsford with Rees
Helen is so encouraging and knows the children so well. I can see improvement with my reluctant swimmer under her gentle instruction. What a star!
Anna & Joel Crow
Helen is great. Really friendly and encouraging of all the children. She was a great teacher at helping me to know how to support Andrew when he was younger and now he is older she is great at helping him grow in confidence in the swim academy.
Natalie & Andrew Butler
Helen makes my daughters lessons fun and her enthusiasm for swimming wears off on all of us!
Rosie & Skye Yeoman
She's taught William since he was 6 months old and he has made great progress. Helen has a perfect balance of making teaching fun but pointing out how things can be better. Her lessons are always constructive and enjoyable.
Matthew & William Boothroyd
Really good teacher. Always gives great advice on how to get our kids swimming well and makes the lessons really fun.
Laura Davies & Evelyn
Gives 100% time and attention to each child, offers advice and ideas on how to help progress in areas my toddler struggles with.
Jamie & Paisley Solway
So patient and encouraging. Notices small improvements which makes the Sunday morning lessons seem totally worthwhile. Also can't believe she remembers everyone's names!
Robyn Brews & Miah
Josh would like to nominate Helen as "she explains the activities in way I understand and we always have lots of fun learning to swim. I think she has some good jokes that make me smile too. I like doing my skulling the best, just like Helen"
Josh Masterman
Hope would like to nominate Helen as "I laugh lots in Helen's class when she makes funny noises blowing loud bubbles. My favourite swimming things to do are starfish floats and the bean game"
Hope Masterman
Helen truly is wonderful. She goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome in the class. Helen combines her teaching with lots of fun thrown in. Amelia hasn’t been swimming for long and doesn’t stop talking about Helen after our lessons each week. She’s made a great impression. Helen is our shining star!
Katie Staff & Amelia
VERITY
Verity is amazing. Ernie hasn’t got much speech at the minute but she knows him so well, knows his abilities and works with him each and every lesson. He’s improved massively since we’ve started with verity.
Kayleigh shaw with Ernie
Verity has been amazing with us since our first lesson when Emma was 12 weeks old.
I was full of nerves arriving at Cedar Court, not knowing what to expect. I was immediately put at ease before we even got into the water.
Verity has always been welcoming, friendly and supportive.
You can see the passion she has for her job and it emanates throughout the entire lesson, every week.
She's never without a smile on her face. She always greets everyone individually and welcomes the children with care and compassion.
During our time at Cedar Court we had the privilege of participating in classes whilst Verity trained Rachel. You can see that the passion is transferred across her training too.
She instils confidence and enjoyment of the lessons to parents, children and trainee teachers alike.
I can't thank her enough for helping us to begin our Puddle Ducks journey.
Steph Millerchip with Emma
Since moving to Verity's class, Ethan's water confidence has come on leaps and bounds.
Verity gives praise and instils confidence in all the children during their lessons. It's pleasure to attend her classes.
Lindsay & Ethan Ball
Verity is such a good swimming teacher, she has taught both Oscar and Isaac who have developed so much in their confidence and now confidently face dip thanks to Verity! Oscar has now progressed to swim academy and has taken to this brilliantly all thanks to his special relationship with verity. Verity you are so child centred and recognise the individuality of each child. Oscar and Isaac absolutely love you as their swimming teacher.
Laura Mason with Oscar & Isaac
Molly loves attending her swim academy lesson on a Saturday. Molly can be very quiet and shy but verity got her joining in and confident in the water. She has come along way with her swimming 🏊♂️ and confidence. Abbie is also talked about lots throughout the week by molly and she says that she likes Abbie to help her swim she is funny! Molly is doing amazing with her swimming thanks to these two fab teachers :).
Helen Bingham with Molly
Verity really personalises learning for all the children she teaches and clearly strives to find appropriate solutions to all the challenges her learners face. Her experience is definitely helping Hazel to overcome her current wobble about swimming. Thanks for being so supportive!
Ros Knight with Hazel
Oscar loves coming to swimming and that's all down to Verity. She's fab with all of the swimmers and gets them engaged from the off. I can't believe how well Oscar is doing at swimming and it's thanks to Verity! She knows what he is capable off and knows the best way to get him to do it!
Rebecca Meachin with Oscar
Verity makes lessons really fun and is great with my child. He’s developed sooooo much water confidence since joining her class. Thank you Verity!
Ellen Aindow & Walter
We would like to nominate Verity for being a outstanding swim teacher to my son Harry. He loves his lessons every week with Verity and he wouldn’t of gained his confidence without her. She is brilliant with all the kids and we both so look forward to our Puddleducks Monday mornings :)
Thanks Verity for continuing to bring Harry along with his swimming!
Lucy Highe with Harry
We would like to nominate verity as she makes each class lots of fun! Finley loves her and is really happy to go to her to show and demonstrate tasks. She has really brought him on, even as we have hit the terrible two stage and mum needed some reassurance. She knows Finley so well even from just an hour a week and knows just what to do to help distract him from tantrums.
I highly recommend the class and Verity to all!!
Alicia & Finley Blackburn
Sophie has made great progress in swim academy and loves coming to classes with Abbie and Verity.
Sophie & Emily Smith
Robert says she’s good at teaching the lessons 😂. As a mum I think she spends lots of time with each child and adapts well to their own needs.
Gemma & Robert Colquhoun
Verity goes above a beyond to make sure all the children have a fun time before, during and after swimming lessons. Thomas switch class and simultaneously separated from his brother’s class, but he seems to love swimming even more now, as Verity helped to make it a smooth transition!
Becky & Thomas Kilday
Verity makes all the lessons enjoyable even when challenging toddlers decide they want to do their own thing lol.
Love her lessons and Sofia does too.
Andrea & Sofia Springthorpe
When Riley first started swimming I was scared he wouldn't enjoy it due to him hating baths at home. Both Verity and Abbie made him feel safe in the water and made me also feel at ease, allowing me to stay with him for his first lesson. Riley is now on his third lesson and is excited to go swimming! He comes home with something new to try in the bath after each lesson!
Rachel Emmerson & Riley
Verity make every swimming lesson exiting and meaningful. It is our favourite time of the week. She personalises challenges for each swimmer and gives constant positive reinforcement.
Liz Norbury with Austin
I like my teachers because they are kind and nice to me. I haven’t been at Swim Academy long and found it scary at first as I was used to swimming with my Mummy and Daddy. Verity and Abbie make me feel happy and safe when I’m in the swimming pool and help me to learn new swimming skills. Verity and Abbie are the best teachers! From William
Elizabeth & William Ferguson
Both my children have swam with Verity, my daughter has now progressed to a swimming club due to Verity’s high level of teaching and encouragement. My son is also doing very well, he loves his lessons and always talks about what his has done, achieved, liked and sometimes disliked (sculling lol). With her constant encouragement and endless patience my children have gone from strength to strength in her lessons.
Emma & Joel
Due to covid and then moving house, Lewis missed out on around a year and a half of lessons, after starting at 10 weeks old. Verity and Abbie made his return to swimming really easy and he has loved his lessons with them. They are both brilliant teachers and I love to see how confident Lewis is in the water and how far he has come with his swimming.
Yvonne MacLeod & Lewis
Verity has an amazing approach to kids. Always ready to give an extra help to the one that need it. Always smiled and kind. Also very professional and learn kids to have the respect for water to keep them safe.
Maria Towarek & Zuza
We leave every session feeling uplifted - best time of the week.
Verity is lovely, so welcoming and I’m amazed at how she remembers all the babies every single week, makes everyone feel welcome and special.
Helen Smart & Leon
PAULA
Paula is so patient and engaging with the children! She is just amazing!
Laura Davison with Bonnie
Lucas absolutely adores Paula!! He gets so excited to go swimming and constantly trying to get Paula’s attention by smiling and looking where she is - Paula has gone out of her way to engage and interact with him ☺️🥰 thank you for making swimming so fun!
Hannah Crumpton with Lucas
She makes each lessons so fun and enjoyable
Sophie & Isabelle
Paula is always brilliant and has so much patience with Freddie.
Rebecca & Freddie Mcfadden
Really friendly and has supported Oliver to build his confidence in the water and he now loves his swimming lessons.
Cassie & Oliver Daisey
EMMA
Both Tilly and I love Emma’s lessons. She is so consistent, professional and Tilly adores her! She always always makes sure activities are on Tilly’s terms but also knows when to challenge her to get the best from her. Tilly’s confidence from when we started when she was 6 months old to now at 2 years is incredible and it’s all down to Emma. I’m sad when we have to miss a class because it truly is a really special time for me and Tilly because of the way Emma creates a safe learning space. Her bond with Tilly is gorgeous and she is just such a fabulous teacher. I’m sure all Puddle Ducks teachers are fabulous but Emma is one of the best!
Laura Davis with Tilly
We’ve nominated Emma because she’s fab!! When both Christopher and Phoebe went back to swimming after covid they were both lacking confidence and Emma has gradually encouraged them both. She has a great balance of serious teacher to get them to do things and silly/fun teacher to relax them and encourage them to join in or at least smile! She’s encouraged and helped Christopher to get his 25m and move up classes. She’s been really patient with Phoebe, who again after the summer has lost confidence, but she’s got such a great way with her and puts up with her random comments and funny stories as well as trying to get her to do what she’s meant to! She makes our lessons fun, she knows Phoebe well, what she’s like and she’s always happy to see us (well on the outside anyway!🤣)
Carol with Phoebe & Christopher Dawson
Grace and Emma are amazing swimming teachers. They have really supported Evan in becoming confident in the pool. He hated swimming on his back but with their perseverance Evan is now happy to swim on his back. Thank you so much.
Hazel & Evan Matthias
She is very patient and very encouraging and Finlay looks forward to his swimming lessons every week.
Rachael & Finlay Noonan
Emma is always warm and welcoming. She seems to know each child and really interacts and engages with them individually even though it is a group lesson. Emma has really helped Fiona to progress as she gently pushes her to do more each week. We love our swimming lessons with Emma. Thank you!
Victoria & Fiona Woolley
Hector says The Village Hotel is Emma's house! Emma is brilliant, she is so sharp and present in terms of safety whilst calmly empowering children to use the skills they've learnt to get themselves out of tricky situations. And her lessons are really fun too!
Freya & Hector Statham-Hawthorne
Emma encourages Seth every week to keep trying. He loves his lessons especially his jumping in. She makes each lesson fun and exciting for him.
Brooke Ward with Seth
Very enthusiastic and great with Freddie
Laura Robinson with Frederik
Emma is very supportive and encouraging for my little girl. Willows confidence in the water has really come on recently because she is never forces but always encouraged to try. Willow gets lots of praise from Emma when she does something well.
Lynnette Lamb with Willow
Sophie found her love for swimming during Emma’s lessons.
Emily & Molly Smith
Fun and supportive, shows pride in her job and gets just as excited as I do when Elijah does something new!
Corinna Thomas & Elijah
She makes swimming lessons lots of fun and our little boy has thrived in the water. As a new mum I was struggling at first because baby didn’t seem to like any groups or classes, but he has always loved swimming!
Eve Holdsworth-White & Theodore
She goes above and beyond for Charlie. He has a massive fear of water but with a lot of patience and being amazing in general she has earnt his trust and because of this we’re slowly making process. She’s an asset to your Puddle Ducks team.
Claire Miller with Charlie
She’s amazing, she is enthusiastic, the children love her and she makes it fun.
Even when the children don’t do as she wants in a demo, she still laughs it off and continues.
Rex moved groups to be with Emma and we won’t go to other classes as there not the same.
Jason Shale with Rex
Emma has so much patience with Seb and is really helping his confidence in the water doing all activities. She seems to really know what ways will get Seb to do certain things he wouldn’t originally which is great. She’s always smiling and looks like she’s really enjoying being there; which makes Seb so excited for his swimming lesson each week. Even if you don’t win Emma we are truly thankful for how far you have helped Seb come in the water.
Beth & Sebastian Macdonald
Emma is absolutely incredible. Every single week she brings great energy and is exceptionally kind to both me and Hallie and we couldn’t ask for a better teacher. I know Hallie can be a grump at times but Emma never fails to get a smile out of her whatever her mood. Thank you Emma for all you do.
Tom Layton with Hallie
Emma has been with us from Day one Florence adores her takes the time to talk to her not at her the classes are fun which in turn Florence Is very water confident thanks to her
Kerry & Florence Longfellow
I was incredibly nervous before my antenatal swimming lesson, Emma was absolutely amazing. I have made friends for life, and Emma facilitated this. Emma actively encouraged conversation and bonding between us all.
I have now started swimming lessons with my baby again with Emma. I wasn’t nervous at all this time, I knew how kind and friendly she was. I trusted Emma completely with my baby, and I don’t say that about many people. Emma is incredible with the children, and they all love her. Emma on all levels is outstanding!
Charlotte & Albie Harrison
Emma is so supportive and patient with Piper even when she has her moments in the pool. Piper started off being very cautious in the pool but has now got loads of confidence (thanks to Emma) and hates when we get to the end of class.
Michelle Crawford & Piper
Emma is fantastic in every way and we loved going to see her every Monday but unfortunately with him starting school we had to move up a group and really miss Emma she’s brilliant at motivating and keeping the class engaged and make the absolute most of every second of the class 5 stars from us xxx
Kerry Snowden & Kylian
Krish loves Emma's classes, he is very new to swimming but Emma let's him go at his own pace and encourages him to try new things. He loves the singing, Emma makes the lessons fun and Krish looks forward to seeing her.
Jaymini Mistry & Krish
Olivia hated water before starting puddleducks and Emma has helped my daughter love swimming classes as well as teaching her to swim. She makes every class enjoyable for us both as well as getting the most out of Olivia. She knows my child’s abilities and how far she can go so that every week Olivia learns something new. I can’t thank Emma enough for all she has helped us achieve.
Carys Ervine & Olivia
Emma is fantastic! She is absolutely dedicated to each and every child in the class. She knows the children and isn’t phased when the kickers refuse some of the activities (and this changes every week with 1-2yr olds!). Emma adapts the activities for each child, keeping them engaged and feeling secure and confident. Most of all Emma encourages the children to interact with each other, building their confidence and social skills in the water. We love our Puddle Ducks lessons and that’s thanks to Emma!
Rachel & Winnie Crossdale
Jacob is a very anxious child and Emma and Edward both go out of their way to make him at ease. Jacob will go into the pool crying and the next minute will be splashing away with them both. Emma is amazing at making Jacob feel at ease and safe whilst making sure he is pushing himself to become more confident without assistance.
Emily & Jacob Thomson
Ralph and Reggie have come to Puddle Ducks sessions since they were babies. They love swimming and have a lot of confidence in the water as a result of this. Emma is a fabulous, supportive teacher who we feel puts so much hard work in to get the best out of them in a lesson. Thank you so very much.
Becky with Ralph & Reggie Samaan
Scarlett loves going to "Emma's pool" and can't wait to jump in and get started
Victoria & Scarlett Rigby
Emma such a fantastic teacher! she's made us feel welcome from day one and is always on hand to help whenever we might be having a difficult lesson. Nothing is too big an ask and she teaches in such a caring way that engages the little ones. We love you Emma! x
Aneliese Platts & Isaac
Emma always reassures Archie as he is still nervous in the water. She makes the lesson fun and offers praise to build his confidence. She is always friendly and supportive and pushes him to reach his goals and overcome his fears. Fab teacher!! Archie loves his lessons when Emma is there.
Clare & Archie Cashmore
Emma has been Aida’s teacher since she was small and she has helped to shape and grow her confidence alongside my confidence of supporting her in the water. Aida loves her swimming lessons and spends more time under the water than on top. She listens and reacts in the most positive ways to Emma and her swimming instructions. Emma is amazing with the children and so patient. Thank you for everything Emma.
Rachel Young & Aida
Emma has been fantastic with Harry. I have struggled to understand his lack of confidence but she told me it would come and she was right. Harry idolises swimming purely because of Emma, she’s amazing with the children and a hero to them.
Claire & Harry Dagnall
Emma is our hero and the sole reason Mahrose has continued to go to puddleducks from 3 months old. She is now nearly 10 months old and loves swimming so much. At 3 months old she was tiny and cried loads but Emma put both us and Mahrose at ease. I would never send Mahrose anywhere else. Emma is an excellent instructor and never let's a screaming child phase her. Instead she turns the situation into a positive and helps them and the parents. Emma sings songs and uses toys to help engage with the children it is lovely to see. We love Emma!
Mohammed & Mahrose Ariss
Emma has been nothing but positive and encouraging with Joshua since starting. He has always struggled in confidence with wanting to go under water and Emma has never pushed it but encouraged him. Then a couple of weeks ago when he did it, Emma made the biggest fuss of him clapping and cheering and was genuinely proud. since then, Joshua has done it again and again.
Lisa & Joshua Hanwell
Emma makes Pippa’s lessons so enjoyable, she loves swimming with Emma and Emma takes the time to ensure all the kids have enjoyable lessons which in turn makes them learn great life skills.
Adam & Pippa Graham
She is so patient, encouraging and fun! Esme so looks forward to seeing her every week - she is just perfect!
Natalie Bowen & Esme
Emma has been wonderfully welcoming to an initially nervous Elspeth and is always happy to chat afterwards too.
Lydia Bleasdale & Elspeth
My daughter has always been scared of the water. Emma is brilliant with her, never pushes her to do anything she’s not happy with and goes out of her way to make the kids happy and have fun in the pool. She now loves her Friday sessions with Emma.
Laura Wilks & Florence
STEPH
Steph is amazing with Harry and he loves attending as a result!
Steph gives the children and parents individual feedback throughout the lessons including how we can support our children and help develop their confidence.
Kelly Stretton with Harry
Really informative and knowledgeable. Pays special attention to each individual. Thank you :)
Lauren Siddall with Rosa
Steph is just amazing at what she does! She has so much patience with all the kids in the pool and helps us parents along the way with learning all the new safety techniques. Margot loves her lessons and loves Steph, she keeps them fun and enjoyable.
Chloe Parkinson with Margot
We recently started with Puddle Ducks after moving from water babies and Steph has made us feel very much at ease. She is super friendly and is really attentive knowing each swimmer's name and making each lesson great fun!
Ella Parry with Imogen
Amazingly patient always full of smiles and brilliant with both children and parents alike.
Josh Pease with Vinnie
Steph has known us since we first started and always makes us feel valued, she has a gentle way with the babies, and the lessons are always fun for both mum and baby.
Vicki Inman with Elliot
Has helped guide a nervous Mummy in the pool to develop a wonderfully water confident baby who splashes the whole way through each class and is happiest when in water! I cannot thank her enough.
Lauren Siddle with Rosa
Steph always makes lessons enjoyable. She explains the reasoning behind each thing we do and it is always clear why the skill is important. When we moved up to Kickers I was very nervous about letting my daughter be more independent in the water but Steph was extremely reassuring. She's all round fantastic.
Sarah Goddard with Etta
Steph always makes an effort to remember Sebastian's name and greet him on arrival. She makes the lessons really fun and engaging. Both myself and Sebastian learn lots. I like the way the moves are explained and the learning given. She has recognised that Sebastian was keen to jump in and encouraged him/challenged him to do this even if others weren't at that stage.
Catriona Bentley & Sebastian
Since Lotte moved to St Wilfrid’s pool, Lotte has just boomed with confidence. Lotte listens and takes part with absolute pride in herself due to the confidence that Steph instills. Steph clearly has a passion for her role and understands the influence she has on such young children. A huge thank you from us for being the best swimming teacher and taking the time to build a relationship with Lotte and ourselves (Steph and Cam).
Stephanie Gallagher & Lotte
Carried out their duties with conscientiousness and diligence.
Been reliable, helpful and supportive to others.
Ewelina Nowak & Ellie
Steph is an outstanding teacher, she is lovely with all the children and has a really positive and caring nature. She is really supportive and teaches the swim techniques is a really fabulous way giving children lots of praise and encouragement, she makes time for all the children and families in her group to ensure they fully understand the swimming skill she is teaching. My little one loves Steph’s swimming lessons thank you for the amazing work you do.
Amanda & Harry Cordingley
I'm nominate Steph Knowles for been reliable, helpful and supportive to others.
She really helped with Ellie anxiety and now she is smiling next to her.
Ewelina Nowak with Ellie
Very friendly and welcoming, lots of patience.
Dee Billingham & Fyfer Belle
Even when H is cannonballing off the float or spinning round she takes the time to correct her and make lessons enjoyable. Patience of a saint!
Laura Spencer & Harper
JULIA
Julia is a true treasure! My little girl LOVES swimming and I put it down to how Julia is with the children in every lesson. She helps to develop confidence and ability in the water and knows when to encourage the new things they try!
Puddle Ducks are very lucky to have Julia working with them and the children she teaches are very lucky to have her! Thank you!
Carly & Charlotte Hannard
Maisie loves attending Julia's class on a Saturday. She makes it so much fun for her. Maisie talks about Julia throughout the week lots! She is always smiley and friendly with her, especially after maisie was having ear issues before the summer! She has quickly got over this and is full on making a splash again! Thanks to Julia.
Helen Bingham with Maisie
Julia had made swimming enjoyable for Lily to the point she can't wait for swimming on Sundays.
Lily's confidence had come on in leaps and bounds since learning with Julia.
Sarah & Lily Jeffery
Erys can't wait for swimming every Sunday, as soon as she wakes up she asks if she's going to see Julia today. Erys's confidence in the water is all down to Julia's patience and encouragement. Erys loves puddles ducks and that's all down to Julia! Thank you so much for all your hard work Julia!
Lois Cherrington & Erys
Julia is always just so enthusiastic, you can tell she loves what she does. Lucas has come so far from our swimming lessons and is becoming much more confident in the water all thanks to Julia.
Charlotte Wilkes & Lucas
Julia is such a wonderful teacher. She is so encouraging with all the children in her classes, and has the patience of a saint! My daughter can be a challenge sometimes, but Julia is so understanding with her, she’s patient, but also firm when she knows that my daughter just needs that extra push. My daughters confidence in the water has grown so much thanks to Julia, and we can’t thank her enough.
Jennifer & Quinn Bevan
We think Julia is ace. She's always enthusiastic and encouraging and challenges our dippers just the right amount, to help them progress.
Gabriel's confidence has grown hugely from her lessons and as a result is close to swimming unassisted - brilliant.
Thank you Julia, we hope you win the title!
Nathan & Gabriel Jones
Really helped Elliott with confidence in water and loves his classes!
Grace & Elliot Waldron
Julia is just fab. She’s so good with Jack and all the other kids.
She’s friendly and easy to talk to too. Her enthusiasm to teach the kids is great. I went to a different class before this one and didn’t get the same vibe from the teacher - 1 curtesy class with Julia saw me change immediately rather than cancel!
Toni & Jack Denton
Julia has been great supporting Jack since he started swimming lessons earlier this year. He really enjoys his lessons.
Lesley & Jack Wood
Julia is always very friendly and extremely interactive with the babies.
Julia goes above and beyond to make parents and babies feel confident and comfortable.
She always explains everything that we do and why and makes everyone feel at ease.
Finley loves the class with Julia and always comes away with the biggest smile!
We have learnt so much from her :)
Lucy Jagger & Finley
She is alway friendly and my child loves her. And if you ever need any help or advice about swimming she always has the answer .
Terri Hussain with Heidi-J
I'd like to nominate Julia because she exceeded our expectations. My boy had a really bad experience and was really scared of water but Julia makes him feel really comfortable and she gave us a lot of water confidence in a very short period of time. I couldn't recommend her enough.
Helena Knap & Gabriel
We would like to nominate Julia as she makes us feel so comfortable in our swim classes and doesn’t put any pressure on us to do anything we don’t want to do :-)
Megan & Sonny Hartley
RACHEL
We’ve been taught by Rachel for 15 months now and she is utterly fantastic! Rachel is so engaging and patient and clearly loves being around our children. Personally, I can tell Rachel likes Teddy, she is warm towards him and often delivers praise and reward. Teddy and the others are always drawn in by Rachel and it’s obvious they enjoy her lessons.
Amy Swales & Theodore
She’s amazing.
Beth Rendell & Winnie
She has been so patient over the past year with Evelyn who refused to go to her and would cry and get sad, and she is finally getting much happier! She helped me to help her do the activities instead and didn’t take it personally and I’m so glad! Thanks!
Hannah Bryson with Evelyn
Rachel is fantastic. She’s super smiley and friendly, and really engages with the kids. I’ve been going for 18 months and just about know some of the kids’ names in the group, whereas Rachel knew them all in a couple of weeks. Maddie is confident being held by her when doing new skills, and loves hearing her sing! Great lessons.
Daniel & Madeline Ashmore
Rachel has supported us for over a year, helping a very unconfident mum and 6 week old baby develop into a confident water toddler and happy mum. Our weekly swimming lessons are the highlight of our week. Rachel has made her classes a fun and supportive environment for all her parents and little ones.
Helen & Imogen Newbound
Rachel is amazing with Riverlyn, we’ve been going to Puddle Ducks since she was just 3 weeks old and she loves it. Riverlyn has extra health needs, at first she had an ng tube and now she has a button feed in her stomach. Rachel treats her exactly the same as any other baby and always asks how she’s doing. Rachel, she is the best and Riverlyn loves her.
Gemma Ward with Riverlyn
GRACE
Grace and Emma are amazing swimming teachers. They have really supported Evan in becoming confident in the pool. He hated swimming on his back but with their perseverance Evan is now happy to swim on his back. Thank you so much.
Hazel & Evan Matthias
Grace is always very helpful, engaging and informative. She has a great connection with all the toddlers in the group and makes parents feel at ease. Thank you!
Tamara Herrick with Hugo
Grace is always very friendly and approachable making us feel at ease and allowing us to have fun during our lessons.
Katie & Arabella Ashley
Grace is always happy and smiling. She is always great at explaining the activities and why we are doing them. She engages with all the children.
Catherine Lees & Emily
Really friendly and super helpful 😊
Amndeep Sahota & Haveen
LAUREN
I would like to nominate Helen and Lauren (it looks like I am able to choose not just one) because they are both wonderful with kids.
We swam with Helen for nearly a 1.5 years and Beatrix came a long way under her guidance.
We have Lauren now and she gives Beatrix a little nudge and encouragement here and there and I can already see that her confidence in the water has grown even more.
Thank you all for your hard work.
Agnes Anderson & Beatrix
ABBIE
Oscar started swim academy recently with Abbie alongside the fabulous verity. Up until this he had chosen not to speak to Abbie but his confidence has grown and in the few short weeks since starting swim academy he has begun forming a positive relationship with Abbie. Abbie thanks for your persistence and encouragement of Oscar. He talks about you at home.
Laura mason with Oscar
Abbie has really captured Sophia's affections due to her caring, fun and friendly approach! She always makes time when she can to chat to both Sophia and I before and after lessons and has really helped to motivate Sophia to improve her techniques and move further forward in her Swim Academy journey! We love you Abbie!
Lucinda & Sophia Ingleby
Molly loves attending her swim academy lesson on a Saturday. Molly can be very quiet and shy but verity got her joining in and confident in the water. She has come along way with her swimming 🏊♂️ and confidence. Abbie is also talked about lots throughout the week by molly and she says that she likes Abbie to help her swim she is funny! Molly is doing amazing with her swimming thanks to these two fab teachers :).
Helen Bingham with Molly
Sophie has made great progress in swim academy and loves coming to classes with Abbie and Verity.
Sophie & Emily Smith
When Riley first started swimming I was scared he wouldn't enjoy it due to him hating baths at home. Both Verity and Abbie made him feel safe in the water and made me also feel at ease, allowing me to stay with him for his first lesson. Riley is now on his third lesson and is excited to go swimming! He comes home with something new to try in the bath after each lesson!
Rachel Emmerson & Riley
I like my teachers because they are kind and nice to me. I haven’t been at Swim Academy long and found it scary at first as I was used to swimming with my Mummy and Daddy. Verity and Abbie make me feel happy and safe when I’m in the swimming pool and help me to learn new swimming skills. Verity and Abbie are the best teachers! From William
Elizabeth & William Ferguson
EDWARD
Because he helps me and makes me feel safe.
Melissa & Isaac Kelsey
Jacob is a very anxious child and Emma and Edward both go out of their way to make him at ease. Jacob will go into the pool crying and the next minute will be splashing away with them both. Emma is amazing at making Jacob feel at ease and safe whilst making sure he is pushing himself to become more confident without assistance.
Emily & Jacob Thomson