Swimming Classes at Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire
Tracy and Jo
Find out about baby swimming, toddler swimming and child swimming classes in and around Northwich, Warrington, Sandbach and Macclesfield
Hi and welcome to Puddle Ducks Mid-Cheshire!
This is where Puddle Ducks started, back in 2002 and Puddle Ducks has been a huge part of our life since then. We are proud of the fact that whilst developing the franchise business we are still very much in touch with the day-to-day running of the Mid-Cheshire classes.
As Puddle Ducks Franchising grows, Mid Cheshire is becoming increasingly important in the training of new teachers and franchisees. Thank you to all our customers who participate in the training (we hope you enjoy the experience of different teachers, but assure you at the same time that this is only one or two weeks per term).
We have seven teachers, three office staff and three poolside assistants working in the Mid-Cheshire team now. We all think we have the best job in the world! And we all hope that your experiences with Puddle Ducks Mid-Cheshire are wonderful and you enjoy every minute of lessons!
- Tracy and Jo
Franchise contact info
Tracy Townend
Acresfield
48 Brooklands Drive
Goostrey
Cheshire
Tel: 01477 410 080
Email this franchisee »
Latest news
Puddle Ducks and Pyjama Drama join forces for charity
Dabblers enjoying swimming with pj's on
Puddle Ducks is 100% committed to teaching life saving skills, so much so that once a term we invite all our swimmers and their parents to wear pyjamas to their usual swimming lesson. This allows us to focus on our life saving activities and to give everyone the opportunity to feel what it is like to be clothed in the water. As well as the serious side to these extraordinary lessons, we like to have lots of fun and we always combine it with a charity.
This term we will be running these lessons in conjunction with a fabulous pre-school drama company called Pyjama Drama. Between us we have chosen two charities – BLISS and NSPCC and all monies received will be split equally between these worthwhile causes. There will be no sponsorship forms or ‘minimum entry charge’ but all pools will have a collection bucket and we hope you can donate a little to this worthy cause.
Pyjama parties will be w/c 22 Feb and will happen during your normal lesson.
In the same week as our PJ Party lessons, Pyjama Drama will be ‘going swimming’ in their classes!!!! We are sure customers of both Puddle Ducks and Pyjama Drama will have lots and lots of fun!
All parents/carers involved in pre-school lessons should wear pyjamas. If your child gets in the water without you (Dabblers & Swim Academy) we do not expect you to sit poolside with your PJ’s on!!
Floaties & Splashers: sleepsuits or short or long sleeved pyjamas
Kickers, Little Dippers & Dippers: short of long sleeved pyjamas
Dabbler, Beginners & Intermediate: short sleeved pyjamas
Advanced: long sleeved pyjamas
Development Group: long sleeved pyjamas and clean slip on shoes (eg. pumps)
Rookie Swimmers: Summer clothes eg. T-shirt, shorts, pumps
If you would like further information about Pyjama Drama please visit the website – www.pyjamadrama.com
Posted on 29th January 2010
February Half Term
Don't forget that half term is February 15th - 21st. Unless you have been specifically notified otherwise, there will be no class that week.
Term will finish on Sun 28th March at all pools.
Posted on 18th January 2010
Dates for our next underwater photo shoot
Does your child love it underwater?
An underwater photograph could be an ideal gift for a family member!!
Remember forever how confident your little one is in the water.
The next session is on on Wednesday 24th March 2010 at our Hartford Pool from 9am - 12pm. Bookings will be taken from 1st February.
The booking fee (non-returnable and payable to Puddle Ducks) will be £40 and there will be a maximum of 5 children in the water for the 20 minutes session. There will be one teacher in the water submerging the children and a second ensuring that the session is run as much like a normal class as possible aiming to make it a fun and enjoyable time for all.
You are welcome to book more than one sibling for each session fee, but your photographing time will be split accordingly.
There will be time to take several photographs under water, providing your child is willing and able.
Your class teachers will be able to advise if your child may be photographed underwater.
Photograph prices start from £25 and prompt photograph orders made in the two weeks following the shoot will qualify for a massive 20% discount. The full pricing structure can be found here.
Please see our photography page for more information. To book your slot please send a cheque for the £40 booking fee (payable to Puddle Ducks) to the address above.
Posted on 13th January 2010
Dates for our next overwater photo shoot
Capture happy times together
Does your child smile from ear to ear the moment you go swimming together?
Can you afford to miss out on this photo opportunity capturing you from above the water?
Remember forever how confident your little one is in the water.
An over-water photograph could be an ideal gift for a family member!!
The next session is on on Wednesday 24th March at Hartford Hill Pool. Sessions will run from approx 12:30.
The booking fee (non-returnable) will be £10.00 and there will be a maximum of 5 children in the water for the 20 minutes session. There will be a teacher in the water ensuring that the session is run as much like a normal class as possible aiming to make it a fun and enjoyable time for all. There will be the opportunity for an individual portrait session during the shoot. The photographer will be poolside and no underwater pictures will be taken. The session is suitable for all ages of children, including Kickers and Little Dippers who often do not like Underwater Photo shoots!
You are welcome to book more than one sibling for each session fee, but your photographing time will be split accordingly.
Photograph prices are very competitive and prompt photograph orders made in the three weeks following the shoot will qualify for a massive 30% discount. Click here for a full pricing structure.
Please see our photography page for more information. To book your slot please send a cheque for the booking fee to the above address. Bookings will be taken from 1st February 2010
Posted on 13th January 2010
New Saturday Classes at Manor House
The Manor House Pool
We are now taking bookings for classes at Manor House Hotel in Alsager on a Saturday morning. Classes will be starting in January. If weekend swimming with your baby or toddler in the Cheshire area is for you, sign up today!
Posted on 20th November 2009
Extra Saturday Classes at Beechwood
The Beechwood Pool
We are now taking bookings for extra Saturday afternoon classes at the Beechwood Pool. The pool is close to Runcorn and an easy drive from the Northwich and Warrington area on a Saturday morning. Classes will be starting in January. If weekend swimming with your baby or toddler in the North Cheshire area is for you, sign up today!
Posted on 20th November 2009
Splashathon 2009 results
Congratulations to all the Puddle Ducks who took part in the 2009 Splashathon held in June. We managed to raise a fantastic £7,900 for Tommys across our franchise network.
We'd like to thank all those who donated. We exceeded our target of £5000 and next year we hope to raise even more.
We will shortly be announcing our top fundraisers.
Thanks again
Posted on 12th November 2009
Pudsey in Pyjamas W/c 16th November
Puddle Ducks is 100% committed to teaching life saving skills, so much so that once a term we invite all our swimmers and their parents to wear pyjamas to their usual swimming lesson. This allows us to focus on our life saving activities and to give everyone the opportunity to feel what it is like to be clothed in the water. As well as the serious side to these extraordinary lessons, we like to have lots of fun and we always combine it with a charity event like the Splashathon in the Summer term. This term we are pleased to announce that we will be running these lessons in the same week as Children in Need. There will be no sponsorship forms or minimum entry charge but all pools will have a collection bucket and we hope you can donate a little amount.
All parents involved in pre-school lessons should wear pyjamas. If your child gets in water without you (Dabblers & Swim Academy) we do not expect you to sit poolside with your PJs on!
Floaties & Splashers - sleepsuits or Pyjamas
Kickers, Little Dippers & Dippers - Pyjamas
Dabblers - short sleeved pyjamas
Beginners & Intermediate - short sleeved pyjamas
Advanced - long sleeved pyjamas
Development Group - long sleeved pyjamas and clean slip on shoes (ie. Pumps)
We do hope you will get involved with this very important AND fun event. It will all happen w/c 16th November 2009
Posted on 22nd October 2009
Puddle Ducks Swims the Great North Swim
Our hardy swimmers
For those of you who don't already know, a number of 'Puddle Ducks' competed in the Great North Swim last weekend.
Staff members included Ali, Lynn and Melanie and customers Karen Rogers, Kerry Mackfall and Dan Rogers (not pictured) all took part. They had a fabulous time and have managed to raise a staggering amount of money for their chosen charities (Melanie for Christies, and the rest for Jacob's charity Neuroblastoma )
Thanks to all of you who have already sponsored them. The websites are open for a little while longer so please feel free to visit them and donate!!
If anyone is interested in doing this next year please let us know as we are planning to do it all over again (but with better times and even more competitiveness!!!!)
Posted on 18th September 2009 by Jo Stone
Staff Vacancies
We currently have a few staff vacancies that you may be interested in applying for:
A weekend pre-school class teacher
A Swim Academy teacher
A poolside assistant for Monday after-school Sandbach classes.
If you are interested in any of these positions and would like more details please contact Tracy using the above contact details
Posted on 16th September 2009
Thank you Dtech IT
Alex and Louise
Pictured here is Louise and son Alex Tolley in their pyjamas just before the splashathon. Many thanks go to Dtech IT a company who provide IT support who donated £90 to Tommy's for the splashathon.
Posted on 6th July 2009 by Jo Stone
Puddle Ducks makes you smile
Puddle Ducks makes you smile
Take a look at our video "Puddle Ducks make you smile" on You Tube. Its impossible to watch without smiling .......
Posted on 23rd June 2009 by Jo Stone
Regan saves his toddler brother
Well done Regan!
Puddle Duck, Regan Pendlebury (5) didn’t think for a moment when his little brother toppled into pond at his aunt's house, he grabbed Alfie (18 months) and using all his weight pulled him from the water. Mum Jo was only yards away and had looked away for only a minute when the accident happened “without Regan’s quick thinking the happy ending we got may have been very different, I dashed over to grab Alfie as soon as I heard Regan shout, but although I wasn't far away it seemed to take forever to get to him and by the time I had reached them, Regan had already pulled Alfie to safety”
Regan had been doing some lifesaving for his Rookie Awards in classes during the weeks before. Of course he passed the award.
Regan also made the front page of the local newspaper - see link below!
Posted on 22nd June 2009 by Jo Stone
Our first Rookie Lifesavers
Some of the children who passed their Rookie lifesaving awards
Many of our Swim Academy children in Advanced and Development group classes recently achieved their Rookie Lifesaver Achievement 1 and Bronze 1 awards. The children thoroughly enjoyed swimming in their pyjamas in our Pyjama Party. As well as raising money for Tommy's the baby charity, the children learnt key lifesaving skills.
Well done, it brought tears to our eyes watching them complete the activities!
Posted on 22nd June 2009 by Jo Stone
We are a finalist in the Whats on for Little Ones Awards 2009
Thank you so much for your votes, they have all
counted.
We are pleased to announce that we have been voted finalist in the Whats On for Little Ones Awards for
- Best National Toddler Development Activity
For more details, please click here.
Many, many thanks – watch this space!
Posted on 3rd February 2009
Splashathon 2009 - lets try to save tiny lives- w/c 8/6/2008
We are delighted to announce we will be supporting Tommy’s, the baby charity by taking part in their annual event, Splashathon. This year we will be hosting a Pyjama Party in honour!
What is Splashathon?
• Tommy’s Splashathon is a national, community based event, that encourages parents to take their babies and toddlers swimming, whilst also raising funds for Tommy’s, the baby charity
• Hundreds of swim schools, swimming pools and individuals around the UK hold a Splashathon event each year in May and June
• Splashathon is for parents with babies and young children
• Participants raise sponsorship money for their ‘Splash’ by undertaking a challenge.
The event has been running for 10 years and has successfully raised over £800k in total for Tommy’s work.
Who is Tommy’s, the baby charity?
Tommy’s exists to save babies’ lives because right now in the UK one in four women loses a baby during pregnancy or birth. We fund research at our centres in Manchester, London and Edinburgh and provide information on the causes and prevention of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. By 2030 we want to halve the number of babies who die during pregnancy and birth. For further details please view the tommy’s website www.tommys.org
When will it take place?
The 2009 splashathon will take place in all Puddle Ducks lessons week commencing 8th June 2008. Each child will do something special during the lesson according to the age and ability of the children in the class. Your teacher will be able to advise you on what this may be. All children (and parents in the water) should wear pyjamas (shortie pyjamas unless they are in the Swim Academy Advanced or Development group). The focus will be on lifesaving.
The challenge we have selected for this very special swimming lesson is £5,000. The top local fundraiser will receive a free £20 swimming voucher. The top three local fundraisers will receive a free pair of children's goggles. In addition the charity is offering a bumper pack of swimwear worth £200 for the top fundraiser across the UK and a fun gift for those who send sponsorship money in before 31st August.
How do I take part?
If you would like to get involved, great! All you need do is log on to www.splashathon.org to create your own personalised online sponsorship page for your Puddle Duck, clearly stating Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire as the name of the swimming school. You can then email to family and friends for them to sponsor him/her securely on line. No need to carry around paper forms and chase outstanding sponsors!
If you would like a paper sponsor form just pick one up from your pool, or you can order one from www.splashathon.org.
Lets help make a difference this year, helping Tommy’s save tiny lives.
Any Questions? Please contact us as normal.
Posted on 12th May 2009 by Jo Stone
Future Term Dates
Summer Term 2009
Mon 20th April – Monday 20th July (12 weeks)
(Half Term w/c 25th May, no classes Bank Holiday Mon 4th May)
Autumn Term 2009
Monday 7th September* – Friday 18th December* (14 weeks)
*Weaverham will run Thursday 3rd September – Friday 11th December (Mondays/Tuesdays 13 weeks, Thursdays/Fridays 14 Weeks)
(Half term w/c 26th October)
Spring Term 2010
Mon 4th January – Friday 26th March (11 weeks)
(Half term w/c 15th Feb)
Summer Term 2010
Mon 12th April – Monday 19th July (13 weeks)
(Half Term w/c 31th May, no classes Bank Holiday Mon 3rd May)
Posted on 19th May 2009
Tracy and Jo talk about Puddle Ducks
Tracy Townend and Jo Stone, co-founders of Puddle Ducks tell the motherswhowork website their success story
Posted on 23rd April 2009
Susan Reaches New Heights
One of our teachers, Susan Hands, recently completed an exhausting four days of training to become a fully qualified Tutor for the Swimming Teachers Association (STA). This huge achievement means Susan is one of just a handful of STA Tutors based in the NW who can train others to gain a nationally recognised teaching qualification. She joins two other Puddle Ducks teachers, Tracy and Ali who achieved this award some time ago.
For Susan, this qualification is the tip of an iceberg and something she feels she has been working towards all her life. Susan has always been a keen sportswoman, gaining her first swimming badge, 25m, at age four. It was the beginning of what was to become a life long passion!
Posted on 21st April 2009 by Jo Stone
Pyjama Party Success
Congratualtions to all our Dabblers and Swim Academy customers who raised a massive £147.63 for BLISS. The children all attended their Puddle Ducks lesson in their pyjamas. Much fun was had by all and lots of key lifesaving skills were learnt. The whole event was a huge success and we will be repeating it over the coming terms.
Well Done and Thanks!
The Puddle Ducks
Posted on 27th March 2009
We have a new phone number
We are pleased to tell you that we now have a new telephone system allowing us to handle more calls at once. We hope to be able to deal with your calls even quicker than we ever have!
The new number is 01477 410080 and is live now.
Posted on 19th March 2009
TOP MARKS for STA MARK
We are delighted to announce that we have recently been awarded the highest accolade in one of the top Swimming Industry awards in the , by the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA). With distinction!
The STA STAmark scheme recognises outstanding swim schools who have achieved the highest standards of business, operations and teaching programmes. This National award is recognised and fully aligned with British Standards and demonstrates that Puddle Ducks exceeds industry requirements in these areas.
Owners Tracy Townend and Jo Stone commented “we were thrilled to receive such a high accolade. We are proud of our business processes, the way we have developed our programme and look after our customers and our staff. Now our customers can be assured that they really are coming to some of the best swimming classes in the country”.
Jo said “The assessor, Steve Franks told us that he was so impressed that without doubt we deserved to receive a distinction. He commented on the enthusiasm and professionalism of our teachers and said that our systems were some of the best he had ever seen. In particular, Steve said we had tremendous strength in our use of our website and of technology making communication with our customers extremely strong. We were told we had a solid business foundation with a fantastic franchise package and that he hoped we would continue to grow both locally and through franchising.”
Posted on 6th March 2009
Huggies Teacher of the month
We are pleased to announce that Ali Beckman is the national "Huggies Swimming Teacher of the month".
Ali says “I was Puddle Ducks’ first employee four years ago, and since then it has been an amazing journey. As well as my teaching I am also involved in teacher-training and developing our programmes, something which comes naturally as I develop both myself and my children in the classes. I love the fact that our children adore the water and to see them relaxed, happy and even smiling underwater is still an amazing feeling. When I see a Puddle Duck who has been with me since a few months old, swim 5 or 10m at just three years of age I almost cry with pride! I still have the same passion for Puddle Ducks as I did when I first started and can honestly say it is the best job in the world.”
Mum Emma with Lucy, 2 years says “Ali's lessons are always fun, entertaining and educational. To be an excellent teacher you have to have a certain 'something'. You either are an excellent teacher or you aren't. It's a part of your personality. Ali is a natural, she has the 'it' factor. However she also works extremely hard - she is always prepared, she knows her stuff and she delivers in a totally exhilarating way. My daughter is only two but I can actually see her swell with confidence when Ali praises her. Lucy wants to please her and tries her hardest. This is because Ali has built up such a lovely relationship with her. In our class the children have improved so much. Ali knows when to 'push' them but never goes too far so that it knocks their confidence. We have LOVED Ali's lessons. She certainly deserves to win!”
We are all thrilled with the award - well done ALI!!!! Thank you so much to those of you gave us some fantastic feedback for her.
Posted on 6th March 2009
February Half Term
Don't forget that half term is Mon 26th October 2009 - Sunday 31st November 2009 . Unless you have been specifically notified otherwise, there will be no class that week.
The last classes of the term will be on the week that ends on Sunday 20th December for all pools except Weaverham where classes will finish on the week that ends Fri 11th December.
Posted on 11th February 2009
Splashathon 2008 Results
Mid Cheshire Dabblers did the Splashathon in PJs!
Well done to all the Puddle Ducks who took part in the 2008 Splashathon held in June. We managed to raise a cool £1300 for Tommys.
We'd like to thank all those who donated. We didn't quite make the target we aimed for, but maybe we will next year!
A bigger well done for splasher Flynn Jackson who was the highest Mid Cheshire fundraiser and wins a £25 Puddle Ducks Voucher
Thanks again.
Posted on 30th September 2008
Splashathon 2008
Dabblers practicing lifesaving skills
We should soon know how much we have raised from the Splashathon event.
Thank you to all those who have already sent it in. If you haven't, please don't forget to collect your money and send it directly to Splashathon.
Our dabblers did the event in pyjamas - finding out what it would feel like to fall in the water clothed. They could swim, but of course we hope that they will never fall in a river!
Posted on 10th July 2008 by Jo Stone
New pool at Alsager
We are delighted to announce that from September 2008, we will be offering classes from the Manor House Hotel in Alsager. Please click here for more information.
The hotel are running special lunch time swims over the summer holidays where you can try the pool out and eat lunch. Please click here for more information.
Posted on 24th July 2008
Saturday Classes Now Available!
We are pleased to announce that for the Summer term we will be introducing SATURDAY CLASSES at the Beechwood pool.
Please click here for more details.
Aren't we clever?
Well done Dabblers!
Congratulations and a big pat on the back for some of our clever dabblers who recently received their awards. Well done, we are very proud of you!
(Well done also to all the other children who recently achieved awards - we haven't room for a picture of you all!)
Puddle Ducks' 1000th Customer!
Puddle Ducks were pleased to present a small hamper of goodies to our 1000th customer - baby Kate Taylor.
New pool at Daresbury Park Hotel
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering classes at the prestigous Daresbury Park Hotel pool.
Bernard takes the plunge
Proud Sophie with Bernard
When Sophie was asked to look after Bernard the bear for the week, little did he know he would go swimming!!!
When Sophie arrived at the pool for her usual lesson at Delamere she was sad to find her Puddle Ducks friends were all poorly, so her teacher Sharon let Bernard take part in the lesson.
Bernard belongs to Sophie's pre school. I wonder where else he has been spotted?
Raising Money for Baby Charities
Puddle Ducks raised over £1000 for Tommys Splashathon and are hoping to raise more money for BLISS.
Both of these charities support research and neonatal care to enhance the life expectancy and quality of life for premature babies.
On Sunday 30th September a number of our team ran the 5km/10km Antrobus Cabbage Canter in aid of BLISS.
Its not too late!!! Please sponsor our teachers now and help us raise even more!
Photograph Winner
Photo shoot winner 2007
We are very pleased to announce that the winner of the competition for photographs taken during our photo shoot in May was Lucy who is one of our Splashers. Congratulations Lucy!
Raise more money for BLISS through Puddle Ducks Offer
What sounds more appealing? Battling the shops with blisters and still haven’t found what you’re looking for, OR sitting in the comfort of your own home with a glass of wine amongst friends? Hardly a choice!
With Virgin Vie At Home shopping is a pleasure, not a chore! There are hot off the press exclusive Autumn/Winter colour collections, stunning trend-inspired Jewellery to accessorise your look or buff your skin to perfection with our all over skin care. Don’t forget Christmas is coming up and Virgin Vie At Home has all you need for your loved ones and yourself.
Book a party and, as Hostess, you will receive 15% of the total party sales (if over £80) to spend on your favourite products. As an added incentive quote: PUDDLEDUCKS when you book and 5% of the total party sales will go to Puddle Ducks' favourite charity BLISS. Offer subject to availability.
To book call Melanie Ridge on 07899865941 or email melaniegledhill@hotmail.com
Puddle Ducks Buy BabySplash!
Puddle Ducks has just got bigger!
Wendy Ellis approached two Puddle Ducks franchises and asked if they would like to buy out her thriving Baby Splash! business. They agreed - and the rest is history!
Coverage of the story can be seen here.
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Hartford Hill Pool |
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Beechwood Pool |
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Weaverham Pool |
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Daresbury Park Hotel Pool |
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Manor House Hotel Pool |
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Sandbach Boys School Pool |
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Delamere Forest School Pool |
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Local links
Mini Music
Kate and Dave Hext work in partnership with Puddle Ducks as our music consultants. Our first commercial CD will be launched in early in 2008.
Mini music is Kate's business, teaching music to babies and pre-schoolers.
Polar Palace
Polar Palace - the place to meet and eat after your swimming lesson.
Playbarn within short driving distance of all our mid-Cheshire pools which offers a large clean playarea for babies and toddlers. The cafe supplies quick snacks to hearty lunches with microwave for heating baby food.
Lizzies Real Nappies
Lizzie’s Real nappies offers independent, personalised advice to anyone considering using reusable nappies (including swim nappies)
Pyjama Drama
Pyjama Drama – Drama for 2-5 year olds where we love to pretend, dance, explore and play. Classes are full of fun and games that encourage young children to use their imaginations, and to develop social skills such as concentration, co-operation and confidence.
Chrysalis Day Nursery
A private day care nursery situated in the heart of Mid-Cheshire. The warm and caring atmosphere created for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers means that Chrysalis is a firm favourite of our little Puddle Ducks.
Click here to visit the website of Chrysalis Day Care Nursery »
Mothers who work
Most of Puddle Ducks staff (including our founders Jo Stone and Tracy Townend) are Mums too. See some details of our fun and friendly childrens franchise package in the mumprener section.
Click to see details of our children's franchise - Puddle Ducks »
Photo gallery
Yahooo!
Almost there
Hello Puddle the duck!
Cuddle with Mummy
Jo & Tracy's water babies!
Wet again
Children's Franchise
Would you like to run a baby swimming Children's Franchise? Join Puddle Ducks growing network!