Swimming Classes at Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath
Sarah and her son Sam
Find out about baby swimming, toddler swimming and child swimming classes in and around Central Bristol and Bedminster, Winterbourne and South Gloucestershire, Redhill, Congresbury and Weston Super Mare in North Somerset and Trowbridge in Wiltshire.
Hello and welcome to Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath!
I’m Sarah and I’m delighted to introduce myself to you as the owner of Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath.
Baby swimming became the highlight of my week when I started taking my son Sam to classes when he was just five weeks old. I made some great friends and he absolutely loved splashing about in the water. Now he's eight and just received his bronze award – I’m a very proud mum!
When Sam was two I chose to give up my digital marketing career and started teaching baby and toddler swimming lessons. After nearly three years of teaching, I believed so strongly in the benefits of baby and toddler swimming – for both child and parent – that I started my own swim school and brought Puddle Ducks to our region.
Puddle Ducks classes are packed full of fun and I am convinced you and your child will enjoy every moment! We have also extended our classes for school aged children which you can read all about in the "Our Programme" section of our website under Swim Academy.
Please do get in touch to find out more. I look forward to talking to you soon. Sarah x
Office Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday - 9.30 am to 2.30 pm during term time. (Our office will open at least one day per week during the school holidays)
Franchise contact info
Sarah Peacock
9 Kensington Park Road, Bristol BS4 3HP
Tel: 0117 971 7165
Email this franchisee »
Latest news
Follow us on Twitter...
Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath have today launched their very own Twitter account. Follow PuddleBristol to keep informed of useful bits of information about classes, pools and events and other baby swimming, toddler swimming and child swimming news.
Underwater Photo Shoot - February 19th
We are so pleased to confirm that we have arranged our next photo shoot to be held on Sunday 19th February at St Mary Redcliffe School in central Bristol between 9am and 1pm. As you can see from this wonderful picture of Frank who has his lessons with Polly at The Grand Thistle Hotel we had so many beautiful pictures last time and are really looking forward to creating even more special memories.
If you would like more information please contact the office on 0117 9717165.
We wish you a merry christmas and a splashtastic new year!!
Our Autumn term has now finished and the office is closed until the new Spring term begins on 3rd January 2012.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year :)
Sarah, Catharine, Cathy (from the office), our Puddle Ducks teachers and Poolside Assistants xx
Winner of our "Recommend a Friend" competition!
Congratulations to Philippa McFeat who has won our "Recommend a Friend" competition. Philippa wins a free term of swimming for 2012. :))
A big thank you to all our customers who have recommended us to their friends. We really appreciate it!
New year... new exciting job opportunity!!
Take your child swimming in 2012...
We are now taking bookings for the new Spring 2012 term that starts Tuesday 3rd January and finises on the 1st April.
Please take a look at the "Our Pools" tab on this mini site to see a list of venues and the classes we are running in the Spring. To apply, just click on the class you wish to come to and complete the online form.
We look forward to seeing you and your children in the new year. :)
Christmas has come early - your chance to win a free term of classes!
Recommend us to your friends for a chance to win an entire term of free classes, a chance not to be missed!!
If you enjoy your Puddle Ducks classes why not help us spread the word by telling your friends and baby groups about us. As a thank you from us whoever brings us the most bookings between the 7th November and 2nd December 2011 will win a full term of classes completely free! All other entrants will receive a £10 credit for every booking that is made on your recommendation. We are happy to help if you'd like any leaflets to take along to any of your favourite groups and any bookings from these groups can be logged as a recommendation from you. Be sure to tell your friends to mention your name when booking.
Bookings can be made online - just click on the "Pools" tab on the Bristol and Bath minisite where there is a section to complete about who recommended the classes, or by calling us on 0117 9717165.
If you have any questions or require some leaflets please contact us at bristolandbath@puddleducks.com.
Terms and conditions
Bookings can only be counted if your friends tell us that you recommended them at the time of booking - please make sure you tell them this! New bookings must be booked and paid for in full in order to be included as a credit for you. Bookings must be made and paid for between the 7th November and 5th December 2011. In the event of a tie break the winners name will be drawn out of a hat. All other entrants will receive a £10 credit for every booking made on their recommendation (no cash value). Free term and credits are valid within the Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath franchise only. New bookings can be made at any pools within the Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath Franchise. The winner will be announced on our Local Facebook page w/c 5th December 2011. Make sure you "Like" us to keep up to date with how everyone is doing.
Good luck everybody!!
Autumn half term....
There are no Puddle Ducks classes during Autumn half term which begins on Monday 24th October and finishes on Sunday 30th October.
We look forward to seeing you back in the pool w/c 31st October.
Sarah and all of us at Puddle Ducks :)
New classes to start in Trowbridge, Wiltshire very soon!
We are delighted to announce that Puddle Ducks is branching out into Wiltshire after half term. Catharine and I met with the Larkrise School Management Team today to finalise all the details and we are really excited to be starting classes there soon.
The pool is a hydrotherapy pool so is lovely and warm and the changing rooms are very spacious. Parking is right outside the door too!
Catharine will be teaching the classes on Monday's from 4pm to 5.30pm starting in the new year.
Contact us on 0117 9717165 if you'd like to book a space...
Tina nominated for Teacher of the Term
Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath teacher, Tina Byatt, was over the moon to hear that she had been nominated for Puddle Ducks teacher of the term this summer.
Tina was nominated by Nigel Kellaway who has been bringing his daughter Willow to Tina's classes since Spring 2010 and this is why he nominated her:
My daughter Willow started Puddle Ducks when she was around 10 weeks old (she will be 2 in December). Tina deserves this for the following reason:-
- Tina is patient
- explains every detail of things we have to do
- she gets to know all the kids (shows no favourtism)
- confident in what she is teaching, therefore gives us Mummys & Daddys confidence in what we are doing
- consistent
- professional at all times - never have I thought 'oh shes having a bad day'
- committed
We always look forward to Sundays, never (even in hot weather) do we think 'oh god we've got swimming'. Tina has taken the time to get to know Willow as a little person not just as another child she is teaching and I really appreciate this quality of her. Willow goes beserk when we pull up in the car park to go swimming as she just LOVES it. Tina has also helped Willow have confidence, which is one of the qualities we wanted her to have. So thank you Tina you do a FANTASTIC JOB with our girl - I really would not be the same without you!!!!! Emma, Nigel & Willow xx
Customers were able to nominate and vote through the Puddle Ducks customer newsletter and our Facebook page. Thank you to Emma, Nigel and Willow for taking the time to nominate Tina. We wish Tina and all our other Bristol and Bath teachers luck for the Autumn nominations.
Autumn Term Underwater Photo Shoot
We are so pleased to be able to confirm that our next underwater photo shoot is to be held at St Mary Redcliffe School Pool in central Bristol on Saturday 29th October between 9am and 1pm. It is a fantastic opportunity to capture your little Puddle Duck's love of the water forever and the photos make wonderful Christmas presents.
For more information you can contact the office on 0117 9717165.
Puddle Ducks launches Swim Academy in Bristol and North Somerset!
We are delighted to announce that we are now able to offer, in addition to our pre-school classes, swimming classes for children from aged four to eight years.
The Puddle Ducks Swim Academy programme has been running for a number of years however it will be brand new to the Bristol franchise. We are really pleased that many of our "Puddle Ducks" who are starting school this Autumn will be able to stay with us to continue to develop into confident and graceful little swimmers. These classes are also suitable for children who are brand new to Puddle Ducks.
Swim Academy classes will be running from the Autumn term on Sunday mornings at St Mary Redcliffe School in central Bristol and also after school on Friday afternoons at the club at Cadbury House Hotel in Congresbury, North Somerset.
Find out lots more about these classes in the "Our Programme" section of our website or call us on 0117 9717165.
We hope to hear from you soon,
Sarah
Jodie Coles wins Teacher of the term!
Jodie is delighted that she has won the coveted Puddle Ducks "Teacher of the Term" for Spring 2011.
The competition, which was run through the Puddle Ducks customer newsletter and Facebook page, was judged by Colin Farrow, from Colex Photography (our underwater photographer) and this is what he said:
I have selected Jody for this month’s teacher award, as it is clear to me that she possesses one of the most important attributes for a swimming teacher: the ability to instil confidence in her children whilst having fun, if they believe they can do it then they probably can.
Jodie was nominated by not one, but two of her customers. Thank you to Wendy Hamm and Wendy Shipp for nominating Jodie.
Congratulations too to fellow Bristol and Bath Teacher Tina Byatt who was also nominated for "Teacher of the Term".
New Puddle Ducks classes starting this summer!
We are delighted to announce that we have lots of new Puddle Ducks baby swimming, toddler swimming and preschool swimming classes to choose from starting this summer.
There will be new Saturday classes at the lovely and warm hydrotherapy pool at The Campus in Weston Super Mare and we will continue to run our very popular Sunday classes there.
We have new Monday morning classes at the luxurious Grand Thistle Hotel in central Bristol. Don't forget Puddle Ducks customers benefit from a special parking rate of just £1 for an hour!
We also have a lovely new venue - the Ramada Grange Hotel in Winterbourne. Sorry but these classes are all full up but do get in touch to join our waiting list.
The new summer term begins on 3rd May so there is still plenty of time to book a space. Have a great Easter and we look forward to seeing you this summer.
Sarah has been nominated for teacher of the term
Owner of Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath Sarah Peacock was delighted to hear that she had been nominated for Puddle Ducks teacher of the term.
Sarah was nominated by Dawn Foley who has been bringing her daughter Evie to Sarah's classes since she was a few months old.
"I am nominating Sarah Peacock because she is a fantastic teacher and full of energy, support and advice. Sarah is calm and gentle in the water with the children and she inspires confidence and fun. My daughter does not always wish to swim but Sarah supports her and encourages and this a helpful approach. Sarah's love for teaching shines through and her commitment to the class is exceptional. Sarah you are a star. Many thanks Dawn " (Evie's Mummy)
Customers were able to nominate and vote through the Puddle Ducks customer newsletter and our Facebook page, so why not tell us about your special Puddle Ducks teacher!
New Puddle Ducks teacher joins the Bristol and Bath team
We are delighted to have a brand new teacher joining our team. After her intensive training at Puddle Ducks HQ, she is now back and can’t wait to get started. Sarah caught up with Polly after she’d completed her training....
Where and when did you hear about Puddle Ducks?
I was looking on the internet for swimming positions and saw “Puddle Ducks” listed. I loved the name so you were the first company I phoned!
What did you do before training to become a teacher?
I was on maternity leave but previously worked for a well known Publishing Company. I’d already decided to change my career so whilst on maternity leave completed the STA swimming teacher training and life saving courses.
Why did you decide to train?
I’ve always loved swimming and wanted to find a job working within an industry that I love. Also it’s fantastic for fitting around family life.
I knew I’d made the right decision when I started my training – it gives me so much pleasure to see the enjoyment on the children’s faces. I took my daughter to her class today and it was the best feeling seeing her jump off the float for the first time. She was so pleased with herself she had to ring her dad to tell him all about it!
What was the hardest thing about the training?
The pressure I put on myself because I wanted to do everything properly. There’s just so much to learn and I want to be the best teacher I can be. I didn’t have time to miss my girls as it was just so busy!
What was the best bit about the training?
When I did my first assessment and put things into practice I realised just how much I loved teaching. The feeling was amazing! Also being amongst people like Ali (Puddle Ducks Technical Director) and seeing the passion they have. We also saw Ali’s children swimming on video clips and they are incredible. I now want another baby so I can start them from the beginning of the Puddle Ducks programme!
When you are not getting wrinkly in the water, what do you like to do?
I love spending time with my girls – seeing their friends and taking them to their dance classes. As a family, we enjoy going walking in the countryside, IF my youngest Rosie can be convinced to go any distance that is!
What are you most looking forward to now?
Becoming a more confident teacher and getting to know all my new little Puddle Ducks!
Bristol and Bath train up two more Amazing Baby Swim Teachers
New baby swim teacher Charlie
We're feeling very lucky at the moment. Two wonderful new teachers have joined our team - having passed their Puddle Ducks training with flying colours. Sarah caught up with them after their training......
Where and when did you hear about Puddle Ducks?
Becky: An ex-colleague who is now a Puddle Ducks teacher told me about Puddle Ducks on Facebook.
Charlie: I heard about Puddle Ducks from Jodie who was already a teacher. Jodie was in my ante-natal group and we kept in touch after our sons were born and she told me what a fab job being a Puddle Ducks teacher is.
What did you do before training to become a teacher?
Becky: I used to be Cabin Crew for a major airline until I decided I wanted to keep my feet on the ground so then retrained to be a travel agent.
Charlie: Before I had Robbie I was a Sales Manager for a property company. After I had Robbie I trained to become a Swimming Teacher and began teaching older children to swim. I also worked as a Poolside Assistant for Puddle Ducks before I decided to take the plunge and train to become a teacher.
Why did you decide to train?
Becky: I wanted to start a new career but wanted something fun and that would fit around my young family.
Charlie: To be totally honest, I wanted a job that would fit around taking care of my family. I wanted a job that was daytime, part-time and term-time only and that paid well. It was also really important for me to find a job that I would really enjoy and that was lots of fun.
What was the hardest thing about the training?
Becky: Being away from my husband and three small children. The training was really intensive but I coped as I had such a great bunch of people around me.
Charlie: Leaving my son Robbie for seven nights was really difficult but the training programme itself was extremely intensive. The days were very long and after spending all day in the classroom it was really hard to then find the energy to jump in the pool and continue training in the evenings. There was just so much to take in.
What was the best bit about the training?
Becky: Meeting all the other Puddle Ducks people. The trainers Ali and Tracy were both lush (they all laughed when we said “lush” – it’s such a Bristol word!). Their enthusiasm and passion really rubs off on you!
Charlie: Definitely passing the course! I also loved the fact that I was with a great bunch of people who all worked together as part of a team. I’m used to just being Robbie’s mum so it was great to be doing something for myself.
When you are not getting wrinkly in the water, what do you like to do?
Becky: I am currently training for the Bristol 10K run in May, but also love going to the cinema, reading and meeting up with friends.
Charlie: When I’m not looking after Robbie, I love to find time to relax and just put my feet up and watch TV. I’m really into keeping fit too and am often out for a run or a swim.
What are you most looking forward to now?
Becky: I can’t wait to start teaching my own classes. It’s so lovely to see how the Puddle Ducks children relate to our teachers – I just can’t wait to get to know my babies and children and ultimately encourage them to become amazing little swimmers.
Charlie: I’m most looking forward to teaching my own classes and just getting on and doing it!
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
Congratulations to our new teachers!
Jodie, Sarah and Tina - our FAB new teachers
Puddle Ducks have three new teachers joining the team from September 2009. Sarah, Jodie and Tina have all successfully passed their Puddle Ducks training which includes passing the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) Baby and preschool swimming qualification and the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches. Thanks to our brilliant new teachers there are lots of new classes starting this Autumn including Monday and Saturday classes in Thornbury, South Glos; Wednesday mornings at the Grand Thistle Hotel in central Bristol and Wednesday classes at the Plush Hotel (near Bristol Airport). If you’re looking for a class for your baby or toddler get in touch as we are taking bookings now!
Posted on 30th 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
Sarah tells her story ....
Find out more about how Sarah took on the Puddle Ducks franchise......
Posted on 2nd June 2009 by Jo Stone
Puddle Ducks Comes to Town!!
We are delighted to announce that classes are now available at the Grand Thistle Hotel, right in the heart of Bristol.
Sarah, of Puddle Ducks says “I’m thrilled to start working at The Grand Thistle Hotel from June this year. The hotel has such a lovely pool and in a fabulous central location.”
Dan Jackson, Leisure Club Manager said, “We are looking forward to building a strong working relationship with Puddle Ducks. Our facilities are perfect for young families and we hope that our partnership with Puddle Ducks will encourage more families into our Leisure Club and Hotel.”
Classes begin on Thursday 4th June between 10am and 12 noon. To find out more about our classes click here . To find out more about The Grand Thistle Hotel visit http://www.thistle.com/hotels/bristol .
Posted on 5th May 2009
Puddle Ducks help local parents be BabySafe
Puddle Ducks owner Sarah and teacher Jodie put their life-saving skills to good use on the 2nd November at a BabySafe seminar delivered by Tesco and The Royal Life Saving Society UK. The Bristol seminar, which was the first of a series of seminars running throughout the country, invited members of the Tesco Baby and Toddler Club to learn about three key areas of baby safety – basic life-saving techniques, meningitis and what to look for car-safety hints and tips.
After a series of presentations, attendees were invited to practice CPR and choking techniques on baby manikins. Sarah said, “The event was really informative and it was great to be able to help parents learn what to do if a baby is choking or stops breathing. By having this hands-on experience, the chances are these parents will remember what to do if they are ever in this situation. It was great to put our life saving skills to good use.”
Find out more about the BabySafe seminars at www.lifesavers.org.uk
Posted on 4th November 2009
New teacher at Plush
Huge congratulations to Paula who has successfully completed the Puddle Ducks baby, toddler and pre-school swimming training course. Paula, who was a competitive swimmer herself and currently teaches swimming to children from ages five and upwards, will begin teaching at Plush in the new year and can’t wait to get started!
Posted on 8th December 2008
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Parson Street School |
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plush Hotel |
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The Campus |
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The Grand Thistle Hotel |
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Mercure Bristol North |
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St Mary Redcliffe School |
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Winterbourne International Aca |
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theclub at Cadbury House |
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Larkrise School |
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Local links
smallprint
Marie Harkin, mum to Emily and Annie Harkin (currently both Little Dippers) has her own silver fingerprint jewellery business called Smallprint. Marie takes a print of your little one’s fingers and captures it in silver. You can choose from pendants, charms and bracelets, cufflinks and key-rings.
You can find out lots more on Marie’s website (see link below) or call her on 07527 600677.
The Ramada Grange Hotel
Puddle Ducks is lucky enough to have exclusive use of the Leisure Club at the Grange Hotel for our swimming classes.
The Hotel is an elegant country house hotel set in attractive woodlands. If you are looking for a wedding venue, a place to stay not far from Bristol City Centre (only 8 miles...) or for somewhere special for lunch you should definitely consider the Grange Hotel.
You can find out lots more on the website or call 0844 8159063.
Tenderfoot
Tenderfoot offers an exciting collection of Craft and Makery workshops for adults and children in their shop in Brislington.
They have regular crafternoons and crafty coffee mornings, just go along with your craft project and have tea & cake with other crafty folk. They also offer a childrens cookery club where kids learn hands on cooking skills and also have their tea.
It is well worth visiting the shop where you will find gifts, cards and artwork, most of which are created by local artists.
Find out lots more on the website or call Helen or Lori on 0117 9717138.
Crafty Monkey - paint your own pottery
Crafty Monkey is a painting pottery based in Weston Super Mare. It's a fab place where you can drop by with your children and / or grown up friends, choose from a wide range of pottery such as tiles, plates and plant pots and create a unique item to take home with you.
Please feel free to drop in or if you are looking to organise a birthday party or a special event, contact Michelle by calling 01934 417144.
Coochy Coo - maternity and children's wear, gifts and accessories...
If you are looking for something that is special, unusual and quirky then you should definitely visit Coochy Coo. The shop is full of items that you can't always find on the High Street and at affordable prices. A fantastic combination!
The shop is based in the centre of Weston Super Mare if you wish to go and browse, or you can visit the Coochy Coo online store.
If you'd like more information contact Jo or Liz either in the shop or by phone on 01934 708232.
Visit Coochy Coo - maternity and children's wear, gifts and accessories... website »
Plush Boutique Hotel (near Bristol International Airport)
If you’re looking for a place to stay before you fly off from Bristol International Airport, or you have friends and family coming to stay and you want to put them up somewhere really special, then look no further than Plush Hotel in North Somerset. This small, independent hotel is absolutely stunning with beautiful grounds, luxurious en-suite bedrooms and fabulous swimming pool and spa. The owners are so lovely they even let Puddle Ducks hire the pool!
To find out more call 01934 862410 or visit www.plushhotel.co.uk »
Grow Grubby – hands on gardening for you and your child
Indulge in explorations of food and nature. High quality play and learn, make items to take home (and show off!), get ideas for more fun, including recipes, stories and songs.
Enjoy in a cosy cabin on one of Brislington’s finest allotments. All welcome. Good facilities. 6 week courses all year (term time only) £20.
To find out more call Becky on 07552 667144
Visit Grow Grubby – hands on gardening for you and your child website »
Parson Street School
Parson Street School is situated on the Bedminster Road in South Bristol and caters for children from 3 to 11 years of age. Their facilities include a lovely warm pool which they very kindly let Puddle Ducks hire on Mondays and Wednesdays during term time.
At Parson Street they make the most of learning. The school motto encourages children, staff and parents to 'LIVE and LEARN!' Head Teacher, Mark Lacey, says “We all need to be learners throughout our lives. Whether we are teachers, support staff, governors, parents or children, our aim is that our whole school community will be active learners.”
Mmm Bopp - movement and music classes for pre-school children
A 45 minute all-action creative music and movement session. Explore a different theme each half term with exciting fun and games. Your child’s imagination and confidence will develop plus they will be benefit from improved coordination, increased fitness, develop their listening and social skills, understand rhythm and beat and have loads and loads of fun!
Visit Mmm Bopp - movement and music classes for pre-school children website »
BORN - natural and organic products for parents and babies
BORN offers a wide range of organic and natural baby products to suit every family. From nursing bras to real nappies BORN stocks everything you need to bring your baby up naturally, avoiding harsh and possibly harmful chemicals you will find in other products. If you live in Bristol or South Glos you will benefit from £30 off your real nappies. You can find BORN at 64 Gloucester Road, Bristol or go to BORN’s online shop.
To find out more call 0117 924 5080 or visit www.borndirect.com. »
Jack and Jill Toy Shop
Jack and Jill is an independent, family run business specialising in traditional and educational toys. The stock is carefully selected with an emphasis on helping children learn and grow through fun and play. You will find everything from organic and fair-trade baby goods to Playmobil and Meccano sets. Our newly refurbished room has allowed us to increase our range and provides a place to try out some of the toys, books, games and puzzles. Please come to the shop, visit the website or give us a call. We are happy to help with choosing the perfect gift for every occasion.
To find out more visit our website www.jackandjilltoyshop.co.uk »
Photo gallery
Emily and mum Sam, happy in the water
Tilly in the pool
Lily REALLY wants that duck!
Billy loves being on his woggle
Poppy and mum Leanne swimming
Photos on this gallery copyright Tina Gue
Testimonials
Just wanted to let you know how much we're enjoying the lessons, they're the highlight of our week! Zane loves it and is so confident in the water now. My only complaint is that the lesson seems to go so fast! Polly is brilliant with the babies and adults alike, we always end up laughing about something. Looking forward to next term already!
by Jo and Zane Yeo
I would like to thank everyone at Puddle Ducks for a fantastic experience. The customer service has been really good, each time I have called or emailed, I receive a prompt, friendly response. Sophie's teacher, Tina, has been really good with Sophie, very patient and encouraging. I will definately recommend Puddle Ducks to my friends and family and I will certainly continue to take Sophie swimming regularly.
by Louise and Sophie Burt
It has been a wonderful two years with Puddle Ducks and I cannot thank you all, and particularly Jodie, enough for the amazing water confidence she has instilled in my two children. They are now both complete water babies and love every second they spend in the water. I have also enjoyed being a part of their journey from being non-swimmers to where they are now!
I always recommend Puddle Ducks to anyone speaking to me about swimming lessons and will of course continue to do so! We will miss being a part of Puddle Ducks!!
With many thanks
by Liz Windeatt, Molly and Sam
Just to say a huge thanks to you and particularly Paula, who has been a brilliant teacher... she manages the classes in a lovely relaxed way and has given us both a lot of confidence with swimming together. This has been one of the highlights of my maternity leave, so huge thanks!
by Sarah and George Karthauser
Keira has really enjoyed her classes and Sarah Stagg is a brilliant teacher (as is Jodie who we have also had on occasion). Her water confidence has soared and when we take her to the Middle East in March to visit my friend I won't be at all worried about her being surrounded with water. Thanks for a brilliant class.
by Julia and Keira French
We really have loved the classes and Sarah you are so enthusiastic, it’s always a joy to come along each week. Ellen is a child who knows what she wants and what she likes and it's lovely to see her cheeky grin- well most of the time! Thanks also to Roz, your poolside assistant, for being on hand, it's an incredible help.
by Katherine and Ellen Richley
We definitely want to carry on next term - even though we only started this term we're now real fans of Puddle Ducks and are really pleased by how much Rebecca seems to have grown in water confidence in such a short period of time, long may that continue!
Jodie is an excellent teacher and we're really impressed by how much the class is gently but positively encouraged to stretch to new skills. Also big thanks to the poolside assistant, Lisa, she is always extremely smiley and helpful and does a great deal to make the whole Puddleducks experience really good. And finally we're dead impressed by how good they both are at remembering everyone's names - very impressive!
by Wendy and Rebecca Hamm
Thank you very much for the wonderful classes and we hope you get the recognition and awards you deserve.
by Mick, Helen, Charlotte and Katie Avery
I would just like to pass on my sincere thanks and to say that we have all thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and would definitely recommend them to others. You and the team have always been friendly and professional and all clearly take pride in what you do. Once again, many thanks and I wish you all many happy "Puddle Duck" years in the future.
by Tracey, Mark and Alice Holford
I would definitely like to enrol John for the Autumn term. I think he is doing amazingly well in such a short space of time and I just wish I’d heard of Puddle Ducks sooner!
by Louise and John Dacre
Phoebe was starting to get a bit nervous about being in the water (having been ok as a baby) and I was keen to try a different approach before it turned into a real problem. From the minute we got in the water with Jodie she was happy and excited. The whole atmosphere of the lesson is really good fun and she feels safe - she's never pushed to do something she doesn't want to do, but the inclusive and encouraging atmosphere helps her to try things that I feel sure she would say no to in a different class. I'm really pleased, and I can't believe the progress she's made already in just seven lessons - she's getting a little bit more confident each week, and really looks forward to her lessons. So thank you to Jodie and to Puddle Ducks!
by Wendy and Phoebe Shipp
We loved the class, Becky was great, and we will definitely be back next week. Callum really enjoyed himself, I felt like he gained confidence even within the first half hour lesson, it was so much fun.
by Hannah and Callum Meehan-White
My son Frank is 4 years old and has always hated the water. This is probably my fault - firstly, I never took him swimming because he has eczema and the chlorine made it worse and secondly, I hate swimming myself and have disliked water since falling into the deep end of the Tropicana when I was 3 years old.
In November 2010, we had a family holiday in Egypt where we had free swimming lessons for Frank and his older sister Faith (aged 9 and a very competent swimmer). Unfortunately, Frank wouldn't get into the pool for the first group lesson. So we tried a one-on-one lesson for which he cried the entire time and wouldn't get into the swimming pool for the rest of our two weeks holiday!
Needless to say, I decided enough was enough and I had to enrol Frank (and myself) into swimming lessons. We finally found a place in Puddle Ducks' Little Dippers at Parson Street School. Our first lesson was a nerve racking time for both of us - Frank was the oldest in the class by far and had no previous swimming lesson experience other than those on holiday.
During our first lesson, Frank reluctantly got in the water then hung to me for dear life for the majority of the lesson. However, we joined in in a way and Polly was understanding, supportive and extremely encouraging.
I wasn't expecting much from our second lesson. All week, Frank had been adamant that he wasn't going to go again. Then, to my surprise he woke up on the Friday morning excited about seeing Polly again and being a 'monkey' on the bars around the pool. There was a slight improvement to the first lesson although my neck still hurt from being clung too so much!
The third lesson wasn't good. Frank cried and moaned for most of the lesson and as half term meant there wasn't another lesson for two weeks, I left feeling down-hearted.
Frank returned after half term full of excitement at seeing Polly and learning to swim - he was very disappointed when I took him swimming with his sister during half term and Polly wasn't there! What a difference. He was smiling, taking part and splashing me!
We have now had 6 lessons and the last 3 have been fantastic and Frank is slowly gaining confidence and learning new skills. Polly has been amazing. Not only in encouraging Frank, gaining his trust and attention, but also helping me to be more confident with Frank in the water and supporting and teaching me. She's brilliant. Also, Alice's friendly smile and encouraging comments are great too.
We are looking forward to the remaining lessons of this term. Unfortunately, although I am desperate to continue lessons with Frank, he starts school in September. Without Puddle Ducks and Polly's lessons, neither Frank nor I would be where we are today. I just hope that if I can't find a suitable Puddle Ducks course to enrol on in September, I can take everything I have been taught and the confidence Frank has been given to advance further with his swimming.
Polly and Alice have been amazing. Thank you for everything that you have done so far with both Frank and myself. I never thought we would be doing so well after so little time.
by Sarah and Frank Roberts
We are so impressed by the Sunday morning swim academy classes and cannot believe how much Lydia has come on since September. It's lovely to see the encouragement and praise that Tina and Polly give to all the children
by Tracey & Lydia
