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Baby swimming: the importance of listening
Underwater activities appear in the majority of baby and toddler swimming lessons, to a lesser or greater extent. We believe these are a critical component to learning both water confidence and developing the best swimming techniques. Safe and enjoyable submersions should always be delivered in the same way. It is important that the babies are given verbal and physical signals so that they know when they are going to be submerged and can prepare (or refuse).
Posted by Tracy on Tuesday, 21st May 2013
Congratulations to Louise Knight - Teacher of the Term, Spring 2013
Louise Knight owns the Puddle Ducks Hampshire & West Sussex franchise and she was delighted to hear this week that she had won the 'Teacher of the Term' award for Spring 2013. Louise was nominated by Mr & Mrs McKintyre who said:
”I would like to nominate Louise as my daughter has cerebral palsy and loves swimming lessons with Louise. whilst she may not be able to kick her feet or stand to jump in, she gives it a go encouraged all the way by Louise and she always ends the class with a massive smile. These lessons have helped my daughter gain strength and Louise's determination to help her and tailor the lessons to help my daughter has been exceptional”
The quote was chosen by our judge and Ambassador Tilly Gray and this is what she said:
“I would like to say a huge congratulations to all of the teachers nominated, it has been a privilege to read the many fantastic comments from happy customers. When reading the efforts the teachers have made, it really emphasised how unique Puddle Ducks are. The customers continually praised the teacher’s ability to tailor classes to individual needs and accepting swimmers of all abilities, which is what makes Puddle Ducks so special. The teachers go to any length to ensure the swimmers are nurtured through every stage of the development pathway.
I am truly honoured to judge the spring 2013 teacher of the term. Every teacher has done exceptionally well and achieved remarkable results for Puddle Ducks. I would love to pick you all however unfortunately there can only be one winner.
I have whittled it down to just one fabulous teacher, I would like to congratulate Louise on winning the spring 2013 teacher of the term! I was particularly impressed with Louise’s continual efforts to ensure the classes are inclusive for all swimmers no matter what ability and regardless of disability. This teacher’s efforts highlights that Puddle Ducks is an inclusive programme, where every swimmer has the opportunity to reach their full potential with Puddle Ducks support. The exceptional reputation from teachers such as Louise is what draws so many customers to Puddle Ducks.
Keep up the fantastic work you are doing and I very much look forward to seeing Puddle Ducks progress.
Tilly Gray “
Learn more about our Ambassador Tilly Gray.
Posted by Ali Beckman on Friday, 17th May 2013
Welcome to Clive and Lindsay from Tunbridge Wells
I’m delighted to introduce you to Clive and Lindsay Relf, husband and wife team who own the West Kent and East Sussex franchises.
Tell us a little about your background
“Both of us have turned our backs on successful, but stressful careers in banking to run a business together and enjoy quality time with our baby daughter, Gracie May. Our passion for teaching babies and children to swim began when Gracie May started attending classes when she was just 11 weeks old. From day one it became the highlight of our week and a special bonding time”
What made you choose a Puddle Ducks franchise?
Posted by Tracy on Tuesday, 30th April 2013
We're splash-happy ducks today!
Ooh -take a look at the list of EWIF Award Finalists! See a name you recognise? And again? And again?
We're so splash-happy to be finalists in no less than three categories in the 2013 EWIF awards. Can you tell?
For those of you who haven't heard of EWIF, it is a very, very important organisation for us here in Puddle Ducks.
Posted by Tracy on Wednesday, 27th March 2013
Meet Tilly, our swimming superstar!
I'm thrilled to introduce you to our lovely Gold medal-winning Puddle Ducks ambassador, Tilly Gray (centre of photo).
Puddle Ducks is sponsoring 21 year old Tilly as she prepares to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. She recently proved she was on track for just that, when she won a Gold medal in her main event, the 200m Fly, at the British Gas International swimming meet in Leeds last weekend.
Posted by Tracy on Monday, 18th March 2013