Swimming Classes at Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire

Teacher of the Term Nominations

We were delighted to have 3 teachers nominated for the prestigious 'Teacher of the Term Award' for Autumn 2011.  Although none of our teachers won this time, to have 3 nominations is truly inspiring.  We continue to be proud of all our Mid Cheshire teachers and it's clear that our customers think you are wonderful too.

Nes Watts was nominated by Luisa Mackey who said:
Nicolas moved into Dippers in September with some trepidation from me but it became instantly clear that Nes was in charge and Nicolas would be a FAB swimmer!  I love the way she engages the children and how she encourages them in their activity. She inspires confidence in both the parents and children.  This term I have watched Nicolas grow from a little Puddle Duck to a fab fish and its all down to Nes’ dedication and hard work.

Susan Hands was nominated by Zoe & Charlotte Allen who said:                                Susan is a fantastic teacher, there might be 5 in the class but Susan makes you feel like your little one is the only one in the class.  Susan notices how each child responds to each task and individually adapts the way you hold/handle your child for each task, this as helped me become a more confident Mum with baby in the water.  Lottie loves swimming but is a nosey little madam, Susan picked up on this straight away and always helps me to keep Lottie focused.   We thoroughly enjoy Puddle Ducks and I would highly recommend it to anyone, but I honestly believe that Susan as made it the enjoyable experience that it is.

Luisa Mackey was nominated by 3 customers!

Nominated by Andrea Rutledge                                                                                This term I had to have an operation on my neck which meant that I was unable to attend classes with my daughter Charlie. We ended up only missing one class as Luisa suggested that my Mum could come along with Charlie instead of me. My Mum is 70 and walks with a stick so she was quite nervous about doing this. Luisa was fantastic, taking the time to coach my Mum on what she needed to do whilst in the water, ensuring that they planned carefully how Charlie and my Mum would get into the pool safely and constantly checking throughout the class that my Mum could manage an often frenetic 3 year old!  My Mum really enjoyed the classes and it was fantastic for Charlie as it has meant that she has been able to keep up with the rest of the class (this was her first term in Dippers). I am now on the road to recovery and I have been able to attend class again. Luisa has been very supportive to me ensuring that I am able to lift Charlie when needed and offering to assist with some of the more strenuous tasks.   In addition to this Luisa has been a great teacher this term – very motivational, explaining everything to ensure we understand it and quickly picking up with us when we get things wrong to make sure we are getting the most out of class. Charlie’s confidence has really improved and she is swimming independently across much further distances than I could ever have believed she would have achieved at the start of term.

Nominated by Vanessa Watts
William has swum with Puddle Ducks since he was eight weeks old. Swimming has never been his favourite thing but we have always persevered. We have been with Luisa for two terms now and the difference in him is amazing. We have had real trouble getting him to enjoy swimming and he has been very nervous. Luisa has been amazing with him, helping him to have fun in the water, being patient and caring and moving at his own pace. This week it all paid off. Today we have had an amazing lesson to say the least. William was happy, he has now started to blow his bubbles while swimming, kicking his legs and using his lion arms. He now jumps in from the wall without any help and asks to do it again as soon as he comes to the surface. We left our lesson today, me over the moon and my little man bursting with pride and he couldn't wait to tell his Daddy all the amazing things he had done with "his Luisa".

Nominated by Sara Hancock
My nomination for teacher of the term autumn 2011 is luisa Mackey, Chloe loved her first class but then each wk she got upset, luisa was very patient with her, she has such a calming manor with the babies, Chloe is now enjoying puddle ducks without any tears thanks to luisa, I couldn't ask for a better teacher

Summer 2011 Teacher of the Term - Mid Cheshire does it again!

Mid Cheshire are delighted that Luisa Mackey has won the highly prized accolade of 'Teacher of the Term' for Summer 2011.  Here's the quote that gained Luisa this honour.

Luisa has given us the most wonderful gift of knowing that our daughter is safe in the water. Luisa is dedicated and passionate about what she does, instilling confidence in all her pupils ability to swim, proven by Amelia’s progress in under a year from kickers to dippers. Amelia talks constantly about Luisa and her swimming lessons and teaches her dollies in the bath everything she has learnt. Sarah Clarke - Mum to Amelia Clarke.

The quote was chosen by our independent judge Yzzy Howell, Director of WAHM Ltd & Mama Pack Ltd and this is what she said:

I found it really hard to chose as the all parents clearly have a lot of praise for the teachers. I chose Sarah Clarkes nomination as some points she made stood out to me. It is apparent that Luisa has not only had an impact on Amelia's confidence but also the parents'. It is a testament to Luisa's teaching skills when I read that Amelia mimics her lessons in the bath with her dollies, what a compliment to Luisa! Luisa is just the kind of teacher a parent hopes to have for their child.

Nes Nominated Again!

Nes Watts has been nominated once again for 'Teacher of the Term' we're so proud of her.  This is what Janine Jans, mum of Mathilda had to say;

Mathilda was in floaties when Nessa had her assessment at Hartford pool and then when we moved to splashers it was Nessa and we have been with her ever since. She is great with all the children and encourages them to achieve their best. Her lessons are fun and involve everyone. Mathilda loves swimming and even lays down on the floor or a stool to do splash splash splash with her legs. If Mathilda could do full sentences she would say Nessa for teacher of the term.

Congratulation Nes!

Mid Cheshire's Marvellous Teachers!

Mid Cheshire are very proud of all our amazing teachers so it seems are you, our fabulous customers!  We thank you for nominating four of our teachers for 'Teacher of the Term' and know that each teacher felt a real thrill to be so openly appreciated.

Although neither Luisa, Nes, Susan or Ali H won the title this term we think they, along with all our other teachers, are winners.  Keep up all your hard work - you are brilliant!

Nes Watts Teacher of the Term Nominations

Vanessa Watts (Mid Cheshire)
Nominated by Kirsty Unsworth
I would like to nominate Vanessa (Delamere Forest, Thursday AM) as the best teacher for my Son who is a Kicker about to become Little Dipper thanks to “Nes”…..

Luke’s Ode to Ness
Puddleducks Day - Oh what Fun!
“Come on Mum put my Swimming togs on!”
I used to be scared, found duckling diving so naff
Now thanks to Nes I come up & laugh!
I love her nice nature - will go for a hug
Adore jumping off floats…I’ve got the swimming bug!!

Nominated by Janine Lewis                                                                        Vanessa - my little girl Elizabeth just loves Ness and we have really noticed a huge leap in her swimming since having her as a teacher.

Nominated by Melanie Townley
Samuel Townley would like to nominate Ness ... in his own words (and typed himself!):
 'I love Nes because she is kind and very fun.  Nes is a very good teacher.  She is very good at teaching lengths and pancakes'.  Love, Sam xx

Nominated by Graeme Arkell
Nes is amazing! She is supportive, bubbly, enthusiastic, encouraging and makes her classes seem not like 'lessons' but more fun splash times. The children aren't even aware they're being taught to swim - a credit to her teaching ability. One in a million for sure!!

Ali Hancock Teacher of the Term

Ali Hancock (Mid Cheshire)
Nominated by Stephanie Macleod
I'd like to nominate Ali Hancock.  We had bit of a 'wobble' last term and Ella lost confidence.  After a short break from puddle ducks we returned to Ali who has been patient, supportive and kind to Ella, Ella's participation in the class is taken at her pace and her confidence and enjoyment is returning. 

 Nominated by Vicky James
I'd like to nominate Alison Hancock (Sandbach Pool, Beginners, Mondays 4.30pm), for the wonderful way she has helped Alex (5) to gradually overcome his resistance to swimming lessons. It's a long road, as he is extremely reluctant to go underwater past his goggles, but he is now "swimming" around happily with a woggle, something that was unthinkable a short while ago. Alison has always made him feel safe and secure in the water, which will undoubtedly help him to grow in confidence.  Thank you, Alison, for your patient and caring teaching manner.

Luisa Mackey Teacher of the Term Nomination

Luisa Mackey (Mid Cheshire)
Nominated by Liz Sharples   
Luisa has a really lovely manner with all the children and creates a friendly atmosphere in well timed classes. Tilly loves going to her and gets excited everytime she sees Luisa,  new children settle in well, even babies who cried when they first joined now smile throughout. The progress Tilly has made is phenomenal thanks to Luisa's kind nature and talent for teaching!

Susan Hands Teacher of the Term Nominations

Susan Hands (Mid Cheshire)
Nominated by Katie Brough
Susan is always really patient with all the babies and especially Matthew who is one of the oldest in the class. Matthew is a very determined little boy and sometimes doesn't want to do things in the pool that I ask him but Susan is always really patient with him.  The class with Susan is always really structured and she always clearly communicates what we are doing and why and how it benefits the babies which I feel is really important to Mums. I am sure Susan has lots of babies in her classes but she always knows how Matthew is progressing each week and I feel very safe under her instructions and I am so delighted with Matthews new swimming skills and look forward to him progressing even further.

 Nominated by Nicola Smalley  
Susan puts a smile on mine and my son's face every week.  She is an outstanding teacher with an immense amount of enthusiasm and passion for her work.   I always come away from the pool feeling that I have done something extra special with my little boy

 Nominated by Jenny Lloyd
I would like to nominate Susan Hands for teacher of the year. Susan's enthusiasm, patience and genuine enjoyment of the classes she teaches make swimming an exciting and enjoyable experience for both babies and mums each week. She makes time for each individual baby and is so full of praise. Her teaching is outstanding.

Summer Term 2011 Bookings

You can book in now for the Summer Term which begins in May and will run for 10 weeks.

If you have already booked confirmations of class places will be e-mailed by Monday 28th March at the latest.  Please check carefully class times and teachers as these may have changed slightly since making your booking.

Your payments for bookings will not be taken until 6th of April (or just after).

Underwater Photoshoot

We are delighted to announce that we will be running an Underwater Photoshoot on Sunday 8th May at Hartford Hill pool. 

Don't miss the opportunity to remember forever, how confident your little one is in the water with a stunning and unique photo!

This photoshoot is suitable for Floaties, Splashers, Dippers, Dabblers, Intermediate, Advanced, Development & Rookie children.

Please get in touch to book your place as end_of_the_skype_highlightingthey are filling up fast!

Lymm Classes are lovely!

Classes at Lymm leisure centre started this wednesday and I'm exhausted!  I was sooo excited to be starting my own classes and loved giving each customer a 1: 1 experience for their first lesson.  Harry, Matthew and Eloise should have slept well after all their hard work, I know I did!  They were all fabulous - well done.

I look forward to meeting some more of their friends in weeks to come.  Don't forget that as a special New Year offer, existing customers will get a £20 recommend a friend credit for anyone who mentions your name when booking in this (Spring 2011) term, so make sure you spread the word!

Mottram Hall Classes Starting Now!

We are delighted to announce that we are starting classes at Mottram Hall on Mondays between 10 am and 12 Midday.  We will be running Floaties, Splashers, Kickers and Little Dippers.  If you'd like to book a place please give the office a ring on 01477 410080 after the half term break. (Office re-opens Monday 28th February) Or send an e-mail now!

Teacher of the Term - Autumn 2010

Susan Hands from Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire was delighted to learn that she has been awarded the Puddle Ducks Teacher of the Term for Autumn 2010.

The competition, which was run through the Puddle Ducks customer newsletter and Facebook page, was judged by Dany Whittaker, Co-owner of Little Tigers Magazine. 

This is what Dany had to say:

“I have selected Susan Hands as it is clear that her inclusive approach is working wonders to enable all her children to learn this key life skill. We are always told as mothers to focus on the positive, which is more difficult than it sounds, and Susan does that, and much more for this little boy”.

Susan was nominated by customer Jack Sinclair (aged 2 years).  Jack wins a £10 credit towards future courses.  He wrote:

“I would like to nominate my Special teacher Susan for this award because I suffer from severe cognitive delay which means I’m unable to do many things. Susan never focuses on what I can't do only what I can do, and never makes me feel like I am different. I need constant stimulation of my senses and Susan always knows what I will like. Susan has even started to sign to me like Mummy does. I love Susan”.  Jack Sinclair

Nomination for Teacher of the Term (Autumn 2010)

Congratulations to teacher Melanie Ridge who was nominated for teacher of the term by Jayne Heys, who said;

"Thanks to Melanie, Madeleine has come on so well. She knew just how much to push her whilst making swimming fun! On holiday, parents commented on how well Madeleine swims, without armbands - “she’s a fish”. On starting Dabblers, Melanie watched poolside. She encouraged Madeleine and praised her. It is lovely to see that just because Madeleine is no longer in her class, Melanie is still very keen to see her do well. Thanks Melanie ."

Melanie, Mid Cheshire are very proud of you - well done!

Baby Swimming Teacher Wanted for Runcorn Area

Do you love being in the water?
Do you feel passionate about the life saving skill that you are providing, whilst at the same time, having fun?
Would you like to share this experience with other parents?
Would you like a job that offers some weekend work and being mainly term time working, at the same time offering an excellent salary?
YES?
Then become a Puddle Ducks teacher.

We are looking to recruit a new teacher to cover the Runcorn area, so please get in touch for an informal chat by 15th January 2011!

Baby Swimming Teacher Wanted in Cheshire to cover Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Bramhall

Do you love being in the water with your child?
Do you feel passionate about the life saving skill that you are providing your little one, whilst at the same time, having fun with them?
Would you like to share this experience with other parents?
Would you like a job that offer flexibility around you family, being mainly school hours and all term time working, at the same time offering an excellent salary?
YES?
Then become a Puddle Ducks teacher.

We are looking to recruit a new teacher to cover the Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Bramhall area, so please get in touch for an informal chat before the 31st January 2011

Classes at Lymm Leisure Centre Coming Soon!

We are pleased to announce that from the beginning of March, we will be holding Splashers, Kickers and Little Dippers Classes at Lymm Leisure Centre on Wednesday afternoons.  Please give the office a call on 01477 410080 if you want to book in.

A very Merry Christmas from Puddle Ducks

We wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you back in the pool in 2011.

The new Spring term begins the week commencing Monday 10^th January for all pools. Here’s to a happy new year!

Jo, Tracy, Jess, Sarah and all of the team.

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

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 Sunday 14^th November 2010 at our Beechwood Pool. Bookings will be taken from 7th October.

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

Baby Swim Business Wins Three Major Nominations for National Awards

Puddle Ducks are thrilled to have been nominated in three categories in the ‘What’s on 4’ 2010 Awards:

1) Best National Baby & Toddler Development Activity (newborn to 2 years)

2) Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity (2 to 5 years)

3) Most Outstanding Activity Leader for the Under 5s (Ali Beckman)

These awards are voted for by parents across the country – last year Puddle Ducks reached the finals and we are so excited about the possibility of winning a category this year.

PLEASE VOTE for Puddle Ducks now!

Posted on 15th March 2010 by Jo Stone

Welcome to Two New Baby Swim Teachers

New baby swimming teacher for Mid Cheshire, Ali Hancock

We're delighted to have trained up two fabulous new teachers for Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire - Ali Hancock and Gill Slater. We caught up with them both to ask them a few questions:

Where and when did you hear about Puddle Ducks?

Ali: I heard about Puddle Ducks via the Website, when searching for swimming lessons for my 6 week old baby Alex (now 8 months old), in September 2009.

Gill: I first heard about PD when I met Kath at a baby café when Jack was weeks old.

What did you do before training to become a teacher?

Ali: I’ve recently returned to my part-time job in a Dental clinic, having been on maternity leave for 9 months.

Gill: I was a Driving Instructor & also have a background in Nursing & the RAF.

Why did you decide to train?

Ali: Taking Alex to his Puddle Ducks lessons made me think that teaching would be something I would really enjoy. I was already qualified as a swimming teacher, but had not had the opportunity to teach. Also the way Puddle Ducks structures its programmes of lessons specifically in line with a child’s developmental level really encouraged me to think about training. And also having some fun whilst working!!

Gill: I absolutely love the idea of learning to swim from such an early age so when the opportunity arose I was desperate to get involved.

What was the hardest thing about the training?

Ali: I guess my expectations of what was involved made it the hardest part. I had no idea as a customer what went on behind the scenes and how much work was involved. It was a long week, and very tiring. For me the hardest part was the exams, and putting every we had learnt into practice – very scary with real children!

Gill: The training is very intense & at one point I found myself comparing it to my 8 weeks basic training for the RAF as I was literally eating, sleeping & breathing Puddle Ducks!

What was the best bit about the training?

Ali: Meeting some lovely people on the course, as well as the fantastic teacher. We all shared some laughs and tears. Again I guess the best bit was the Friday afternoon when I learnt I had passed all the programmes.

Gill: I really enjoyed it as it also reminded me of the proud feeling of achievement that you get at the end of so much hard work not to mention the wonderful feeling of camaraderie you get when working so closely with a team of people in the same position as you.

When you are not getting wrinkly in the water, what do you like to do?

Ali: Time permitting (after looking after 2 teenagers – mums taxi service, and playing peek-a-boo with my 8 month old), I like to socialise with my partner and friends. We enjoy going out for meals, walking and going to the cinema.

Gill: Apart from teaching poolside, I love being a mum to my soon to be two boys & wife to my fab husband. I also love motorcycling (when I get the chance!) & have enjoyed scuba diving which I would love to get back to sometime in the near future. As a family we love going on camping holidays both in a tent as well as a caravan.

What are you most looking forward to now?

Ali: Putting all the hard work and experiences into practice by having my own lessons.

Gill: Right at this moment I am looking forward to the birth of son number two & enjoying some hard earned time off with my family to get to know him. When I return from maternity I can’t wait to get my teeth into some good teaching experience & learning as much as I possibly can.

Posted on 22nd June 2010 by Tracy

Splashathon Update

We would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who took part in our Splashathon. It was great fun to see so many of you in the pool in your PJ’s.

We were raising money for Tommy’s charity, and I am delighted to tell you that we raised £550 in donations at the pools, and this doesn’t include any sponsorship money that you have raised individually! If your little one has raised sponsorship money, please send it directly to Tommy’s. Instructions on how to do this will be found on your sponsorship form or online.

Thank you so much for your generosity and I’m sure that this money will make a big difference to families who rely on the support from Tommy’s.

Details of our total money raised will be posted in September

Posted on 8th July 2010 by Jo Stone

Business Development Manager Trains as Baby Swim Teacher

Jess - our new baby swimming teacher

Local Business Development Manager, Jess, trained to become a baby swim teacher. Owner Tracy Townend tracked down Jess to find out how she coped with swapping her laptop for Evangeline!

Where and when did you hear about Puddle Ducks?

Via Jo, whose daughter is friends with my daughter at school

What did you do before training to become a teacher?

Primary School teacher before becoming a Mum to three gorgeous kids

Why did you decide to train?

I loved teaching, but didn’t want to go back to the routine of being a school teacher. I wanted flexibility round own family. I’ve worked in the office for a year now, and love it – but am looking forward to meeting our customers and seeing what life is like for all our wonderful teachers.

What was the hardest thing about the training?

There was a lot of pre-course reading and homework which was scary and hard! The actual course was very intensive and emotional being away from the family all week

What was the best bit about the training?

I enjoyed every minute of it. Ali & Sharon were fab and it was so exciting seeing it “all for real”!

When you are not getting wrinkly in the water, what do you like to do?

Usual “Mum things” – reading and spending time with kids.

What are you most looking forward to now?

Finding a pool and teaching my own classes!

Posted on 17th March 2010 by Tracy

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

Splashathon 2010 - lets try to save tiny lives- w/c 14/6/2010

We are delighted to announce we will once again be supporting Tommy’s, the baby charity by taking part in their annual event, Splashathon. We will be hosting a Pyjama Party in their 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 11 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 2010 splashathon will take place in all Puddle Ducks lessons week commencing 14th June 2010. 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. In addition the charity is offering a bumper pack of swimwear worth £200 for the top fundraiser across the UK and a fun prize for those who raise over £50 and send it in before 31^st 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.

Further information »

Posted on 17th May 2010 by Jess Bennett

Local Teachers Nominated for Teacher of the Term Summer 2010

Nessy, one of the teachers nominated for Teacher of the Term Summer 2010

Nici, Nessy and Sharon were delighted to learn that they were nominated for Teacher of the Term Summer 2010 by their customers. This is what their customers had to say:

I would like to recommend Sharon (Delamere Friday 10.15 little dippers class) as teacher of the month. My son Luke is very nervous of the water and hates getting his face and hair wet - however Sharon has been absolutely brilliant in encouraging him, every week he gets a little bit braver and he always looks to see if Sharon is watching him - when he first put his face in the water by himself the first thing he wanted to do was to so Sharon what a big boy he was. She is always supportive and has formed an incredible bond with Luke as she has been teaching him since he was small- he loves showing off for her and she can somehow encourage him to do things that he refuses to do for me.

My son Joe goes to the 5pm Intermediate Class on a Friday @ Hartford Hill. It would be too difficult to pick just one of Joe's teacher's to nominate as 'Teacher of the term' so I'd like to nominate both Nici & Ness! They are both incredibly patient, caring, supportive and encouraging to every swimmer in the class. I'm sure by that time on a Friday - last class of the week they are pretty tired but never show it! Joe can sometimes lack confidence in his ability to do things both Nici & Ness make him feel comfortable and show him how proud they are of his achievements. There are too many occasions to mention where I have sat at the side of the pool clapping and cheering for Joe (trying not to cry happy tears!!) because of the things he has achieved during one of his lessons with Nici & Ness at Puddle Ducks. Joe absolutely loves the water and his weekly Puddle Ducks lessons which is down to Nici & Ness so thank you. Love Nicola & Joe xx

Well done Nici, Ness and Sharon!

Posted on 13th July 2010 by Tracy

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

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!

Further information »

Posted on 22nd June 2009 by Jo Stone

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!)

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

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

Tracy and Jo talk about Puddle Ducks

Tracy Townend and Jo Stone, co-founders of Puddle Ducks tell the motherswhowork website their success story

Further information »

Posted on 23rd April 2009

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!