Our programme ... behind the scenes
We are confident that the Puddle Ducks teaching programme is the best in the UK and possibly the world! How can we be so sure? Because we have spent nearly 9 years developing it - and the work is still going on!
We are members of forums and discussion groups with experts from around the world (including the World Aquatic Baby and Children Network - WABC).
Our Technical Director, Ali Beckman heads up a small but elite team who carry out all our training and development to ensure that you get the best possible lesson in the world.
Why do we think it is important to continue to network at an International level and to continue to put SO much effort into the development of our programme and the standard of our teaching?
Because your baby is worth it...
Although there are many "new" techniques which the WABC do not consider safe or baby-friendly and that we deliberately avoid, there are also new ideas - developed both in-house and around the globe, which are fabulous. Ali and her team pick the best and test them thoroughly before sharing them with all our teachers. We can GUARANTEE that your baby is being taught the most up-to-date internationally accepted teaching techniques, with our unique, fun Puddle Ducks twist.
Of course, you know that our classes are designed to fit around the development of your child... but did you know that some of the activities we teach in Floaties and Splashers, develop through Kickers and Little Dippers and finally see their fruition in our school age classes?
We have a Puddle Ducks thread that runs right through our programme that just keeps on getting stronger. Every signal, every activity, even every song has a specific place in our programme.
We are always excited about new developments and will always incorporate the best ones into our classes. And we extremely proud of our current programme because we know that our Puddle Ducks babies are confident, graceful little swimmers who know how to be safe in and around water. How fabulous is that?
Please tell us your story - what is your favourite activity? What surprised you as you moved up to a new level and saw how an activity developed? What does your child love the most? What would you like to see more?
Having the best teachers in the world... this is life but swimmingly
Posted by Tracy on Monday, 7th February 2011
Go back to latest postsComments for this post are now closed. Thanks to all who contributed.
Your comments
On the 8th of February 2011, Ali Beckman (Technical Director) said...
Having been involved in the training of all our Puddle Ducks teachers, I know personally that we have an amazing team. If customers knew the length of time it took to undertake our training programme, they would realise that their teachers are fully committed and passionate about Puddle Ducks – in fact they are the crème de la crème of swimming teachers! If I was looking for swimming lessons I would need reassurance that the teachers hadn’t just attended a day’s training course somewhere but had received full training to deliver the best lessons in the UK!
On the 15th of February 2011, Melanie Townley said...
I noticed this week on Facebook your request for stories from your little Puddle Ducks and wanted to share with you my 2 gorgeous little boys who have absolutely loved every single one of their lessons and teachers. Wasn't sure how to attach the pic to your blog or Facebook so hope you don't mind this via email.
Sam has been a Puddle Duck for 5yrs now and we've been to many of your pools and had lots of different teachers - each one is a favourite at that time! Our latest most memorable moments for him include Nici helping him to gain his 10m at Hartford in Swim Academy and then Ness and Ali building on that and really boosting his confidence and ability at Delemare. Now he is in the premium classes at Delamere on a Thursday he is really coming on so much more, they are worth every extra penny - for example last night with Ness he completed his 50m badge and hasn't stopped smiling since - WOW!!
As we only moved to Cheshire 6yrs ago, Dominic has started his swimming journey with Puddle Ducks right from about 3mths and I can really see the difference - he is almost catching up with Sam - both practising breaststroke at the moment. Dominic loves his new Dabblers class this term and his favourite teacher has always been Ali.
All your teachers have amazing ability and as a Mum you have real confidence in knowing your children will become good swimmers. The Davidson family who recently moved to Australia introduced us to you and I know now they are using all the useful skills you taught them out in the Ocean and pools over there!
Of course a huge thanks also goes to all the staff behind the scenes too! - thank you.