Swimming Classes at Puddle Ducks Wakefield
Me with my two Puddle Ducks Laila & Lucas
Find out about baby swimming, toddler swimming and child swimming classes in and around West Yorkshire, including Wakefield, Leeds, Bradford, Barnsley and Sheffield.
Hello and welcome to Puddle Ducks Wakefield.
Hello, my name is Faye and I am thrilled to have brought Puddle Ducks to West Yorkshire.
I have always had an ambition to start my own business and have now finished working as a midwife to bring Puddle Ducks to Wakefield and West Yorkshire. With the perfect qualifications to ensure your little one is happy and safe in the water and a love of babies and swimming, I can't wait to share my passion with you!
I love working with babies and small children, and grew up enjoying the water from as young as I can remember. I believe there are huge benefits to baby and toddler swimming, not just for child but for parent too and would love to share these with you.
Puddle Ducks offers a fantastic bonding experience for you and your little one, as well as teaching the invaluable skills of water safety. Our classes are perfectly tailored to meet your child's age and confidence, using songs, rhymes and games which will help them to learn to swim independently, safely and happily, both above and under the water. I am sure you will find our classes great fun.
Please contact me so I can tell you more.
Faye xx
Franchise contact info
Faye Burrell
Wakefield & South Leeds Swim School LLP T/A Puddle Ducks Wakefield, 6 Chandlers Close, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 2LY
Tel: 01924 314551
Email this franchisee »
Latest news
Teacher of the Term Spring 2012
And the award goes to......Danielle Molyneux
We were so proud that this term, Danielle Molyneux from Wakefield and South Leeds was the winner of the Puddle Ducks Teacher of the term. The competition, which was run through the Puddle Ducks customer newsletter and Facebook page, was judged by Laura Rigney, Co-founder of Mumpreneur UK. Mumpreneur UK was co-founded and is run by Laura Rigney and Amanda Farren. It is the UK's leading support network for mums in business, offering advice, resources, articles and events to parents who run their own business. Flexible working can be fantastic for families with young children, and starting and running your own business is the perfect way to achieve flexible working hours. As well as supporting and celebrating "mumpreneurs", a mum who juggles running a business with family life, Mumpreneur UK are also keen to provide information and support for mums considering starting a business, and reach out to the public and let them know that starting a business is achievable. http://www.mumpreneuruk.com/
This is what Laura had to say:
Whilst all of the nominations and reasons for nominating were excellent, I can't help feeling that if someone is happy to do an 80 mile round trip every week then the teacher in question must be pretty special. It's not always easy to work with young children and even harder to gain the trust of their parents but this Puddle Ducks teacher has clearly made a long lasting impression!
Danielle was nominated by customer Joanne Duggan who wins a £10 credit towards future courses. She wrote:
"I would like to nominate Danielle Molyneux for teacher of the term. My daughter Gabriella has attended classes with Danielle since she was 17 weeks old. I travel over 80miles as a round trip for our weekly swimming lessons, a testament to Danielle's teaching! Her manner with the babies is just excellent, she is a truly fabulous teacher; is calm, kind, supportive and encouraging. Teaching really is her vocation and this shows in the babies and mums commitment to the lessons".
Danielle also recieved another nomination from Jo and Rudi Gardner who attend Kickers swimming classes at The Village Hotel South Leeds;
"She really knows how to get the best out of our little one's. Rudi loves Danielle and he always gets excited as soon as he see's her at the pool".
Congratulations Danielle!
Our other fantastic teacher Kerry Sands was also nominated for this award;
Ellen Wood with Joshua;
"We love Kerry!! Joshua always talks about her; she is key in his enjoyment and development in class.
Joshua always loved swimming, but had reservations about putting his head under water, accidentally swallowing water and not wanting to jump in. With her encouragement, understanding and cheery demeanour Kerry has supported us in these challenges – week 8 into our swimming lessons and Joshua blows bubbles with gusto, jumps in like a dive bomber and spends most of the lesson laughing and smiling. I cannot think of a better way to spend his Christmas money, just wish we could go more often".
Helen Purdy with Leon says;
"My son Leon was born in December 2010 with a complex heart condition which required repair with open heart surgery. We have been coming to classess since he was around six weeks old and it has done us both the world of good, for Leon meeting babies of his own age and enjoying the experience of splashing, jumping in, floating and submersions, he is now jumping into the pool on his own from the side and for me it has been meeting Mums with 'normal' children and knowing that we are not so different after all.
I would like to nominate Kerry because:
Over the weeks Kerry has been very supportive of Leons condition and inclusive in her lessons, if he struggles with anything she adapts it to his capabilities so he can still progress. She is welcoming and friendly and has a nice teaching style which makes joining in for newcomers easy. She is also very supportive of Mums who are not very confident in the water but want their little ones to have a good expereince of learning to swim. Leon likes her to blow bubbles with him."
What lovely nominations, well done girls, what lucky customers you are to have the best teachers in the world! x
OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER
We now have a new telephone number for the office, which you can call us on as a current customer or if you are enquiring about swimming classes for your baby, tolddler or pre-school child. Please call 01924 314551 and Faye, Barbara, Carla or Joanna would love to speak to you soon. Our office hours are Monday - Friday 9.30am - 2.30pm.
Great Article about Life-saving and other health and wellbeing benefits of Baby Swimming Classes
If you are thinking of taking your baby, toddler or pre-school child to swimming lessons then this is a great article for you to read (see the link below), which captures the multitude of benefits of taking your baby, toddler or pre-school child to formal swimming classes at an early age.
Here at Puddle Ducks we have seen how babies and toddlers who come to our classes from an early age benefit, becoming comfortable and happy in the water, learning to hold their breath and developing life saving skills such as turning and holding on to the side. As the article recognises, this helps to avoid potential difficulties and stress of introducing them to the water at a later age.
Babies who go swimming sleep and eat better and in our classes they have great fun interacting with other babies and enjoying physically and mentally stimulating activities.
If you'd like to come along to one of our classes in the Yorkshsire area to find out for yourself please contact Faye at wakefield@puddleducks.com or telephone 07817527040
Follow us on Twitter...
Puddle Ducks Wakefield have our very own Twitter account. Follow @PuddleWakefield to keep informed of useful bits of information about classes, pools and events and other baby swimming, toddler swimming and child swimming news.
Posted on 20th March 2012
Joining our fantastic classes? Want to be prepared?
Being prepared will help you and your baby, toddler or pre-schooler to relax and enjoy your swimming class. Take a look at our handy guide to what to bring with you to the swimming pool.
Sheffield Baby Swimming Classes
Due to popular demand we will be adding an extra Floaties swimming class, for babies under the age of 6 months, to our current session at The House of Elliott pool in Grenoside, Sheffield. The class is scheduled for 12 midday on a Tuesday, with the first one being on the 21st of February. Contact Faye on wakefield@puddleducks.com for more details or to book. We look forward to meeting you and your little ones :).
JOB VACANCY
I am pleased to be able to offer a JOB VACANCY within our team here at Wakefield & South Leeds
******Office Administration Assistant******
12 hours per week spread over 4 mornings (ideally to include a Monday) during school term time
• Up to 5 hours per week during 8 school holiday weeks of the year
• Fun, dynamic team
• Competitive hourly rate of pay
An excellent opportunity to be part of an exciting organisation and still have
time with your family.
Key Skills Required:
• Good computer and database skills
• Polite and friendly telephone manner
• Flexible team worker
Main Responsibilities:
• Dealing with customers on the telephone and by email
• Managing the customer database and regular communication with teachers
• Other activities involved in the smooth running of an office
Further Information:
If you would like to find out more about this opportunity then please contact Faye at wakefield@puddleducks.com
Danielle is nominated for Teacher of Term Autumn 2011
Well done to Danielle Molyneux, Wakefield & South Leeds Baby & Pre-school Swimming teacher, who despite being on maternity leave for most of the term, and only coming back for 6 weeks on a Sunday has been nominated for Teacher of the Term for the Autumn 2011 term.
Michelle Smith (mum to Ella Little Dipper on a Sunday at Willow Lodge) wrote;
"I would like to nominate Danielle as she has been an inspiration to my daughter Ella. Danielle understands all the different needs of the children in the class and has a fantastic relationship with them, putting them at ease which provides them with the confidence and the ability to progress".
Well done Danielle, we're hoping for a win next time!
Could you recieve an early Christmas Present???!!
Its Competition Time!!!, just in time for Christmas!
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 1st November and the 11th December 2011 will win a full term of classes completely free!!! All other entrants will receive £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 our minisite, where there is a section to complete about who recommended the classes or by calling 0781 7527040.
If you have any questions or require some leaflets please contact us at wakefield@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 1st November 2011 and the 11th December 2011. In the event of a tie break the winners name will be drawn out of a hat. All other entrants will receive £10 credit for every booking made on their recommendation (No cash value). The winner will more than likely have already paid for their term, and so this will be refunded to them or can be saved for the April - July term, other recommendations will all be carrried forward to another term. Free term and credits are valid within the Puddle Ducks Wakefield & South Leeds franchise only. New bookings can be made at any pools within the Puddle Ducks Wakefield & South Leeds Franchise. The winner will be announced on our Local Facebook page w/c 13th December 2011. Make sure you "Like" us to keep up to date with how everyone is doing.
GOOD LUCK, and start spreading the Puddle Ducks word!!
New swimming classes in Sheffield
We are pleased to announce that we are starting Wednesday afternoon and Saturday afternoon classes at Penistone Private pool on Thurlstone Road in Penistone, Sheffield from the 2nd of November.
Classes will be offered from Floaties through to Dippers, so baby's from a few weeks old up to the age of 5 years.
This pool is toastie warm at 32 degrees so perfect for our tiny babies.
For more information, view our pool and class times or contact Faye on 0781 752 7040. We look forward to hearing from you :).
Splashathon 2011 results
Thank-you
We would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who took part in our Splashathon last term. It was great fun to see so many of you in the pool in your PJ’s.
Can you believe that Puddle Ducks raised over £12000 for Tommy's this year? Thank you SO much.
WOW – I am very proud to announce that all my customers from Puddle Ducks Wakefield, raised an astonishing £3,776, which is our biggest amount yet!!!
We must make a couple of extra special mentions;
Congratulations and thank you to Carolyn Macdonald with Emily who was our biggest fundraiser, with an amazing £435 raised – wow!, and winner of our first prize. Kelly Dickson with Marley raised a huge £266 and Lindsey Wilson with Cloey & Louie raising £200. Fantastic! A massive thank you to everyone who donated on our team fundraising page to as we got £326 of donations on there.
Special mentions to Laura Marshall with Olivia, Michaella Ross with Amelie, Helen Ferguson with Alex, Tara Gardner with Ida-Mae, Ian Berry with Charlotte, Alison Bevan with Dexter, Stephanie Edgar with Florence, Kath Walsh with Ethan and Sarah Knaggs with Toby and Oliver who all raised over £100 each, FANTASTIC.
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.
Dates for our next underwater photo shoot in October
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 Monday 24th October 2011 at our Willow Lodge Pool. Bookings are being taken now.
The booking fee (non-returnable and payable to Puddle Ducks Wakefield) 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 Wakefield) to 6 Chandlers Close, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 2LY.
New Puddle Ducks Swimming Teacher
The lovely Kerry
We are delighted to have a brand new teacher joining our team. After her intensive training at Puddle Ducks HQ, her co-teaching in our classes, and her assessments passed with flying colours, she can’t wait to get started in September. Faye caught up with Kerry once she’d relaxed after becoming a fully fledged puddle ducks teacher.....
Where and when did you hear about Puddle Ducks?
From a friend,who's daughter goes to classes.
What did you do before training to become a teacher?
I was a poolside assistant.
Why did you decide to train?
Because its such a fantastic job, I have a real passion for Puddle Ducks.
What was the hardest thing about the training?
Been away from my family.
What was the best bit about the training?
Meeting such fantastic parents and children.
When you are not getting wrinkly in the water, what do you like to do?
Spend time with my wonderful family.
What are you most looking forward to now?
I can't wait to start teaching all my Puddle Ducks in September.
Kerry will be teaching classes at The House of elliott, Hideaway Spa, Willow Lodge and The Village Hotel.
Summer Holiday's
Hope you are all enjoying the Summer break with the kids.
There are only 2 weeks of holiday classes left at The Village Hotel, there are a couple of places available in some classes, get in touch if you would be interested in attending one or two. These spaces can also be offered as a FREE Trial, so please get in touch with the office for more details, email wakefield@puddleducks.com or give Faye a call on 0781 7527040.
We cannot wait for our Autumn term to start on the 5th of September, and look forward to meeting all our baby's, toddlers and pre-school children becoming little Puddle Ducks. See you there, Faye xx
Summer Holiday Classes
Many parents worry about the many weeks without swimming classes during the Summer break from classes ending in the Summer term (31st of July) to the new Autumn Term starting the 5th of September. Therefore due to popular demand we are delighted to offer Summer Holiday classes at The Village Hotel in Morley, Leeds on a Monday and a Friday throughout August, for 4 weeks at a cost of £45. The classes will be as follows;
MONDAY.
2.30pm Floaties, 3.00pm Splashers, 3.30pm Kickers, 4.00pm Little Dippers and 4.30pm Dippers.
FRIDAY
10.00am Little Dippers, 10.30am Little Dippers, 11.00am Kickers.
For more details or to book, please contact Faye on wakefield@puddleducks.com or 07817527040.
Hope to see you there x
Dabblers achieve more awards
Faye and Sara were immensley proud as only in their first proper term, a few children achieved their 10 metre swimming awards on Sunday at The Esporta Health Club pool. Well done to Arran, Lucy, Isabel, Laila and Isabel who did their 10 metres with grace and efficiency and well done to Maise who achieved her 5 metres. We are so proud of all you Dabblers.
Tommy's Splashathon 2011 - Week commencing the 13th June
Puddle Ducks Wakefield and South Leeds are excited to be participating once again in Tommys Splashathon, week commencing 13th June to help raise funds for Tommys the Baby Charity. This is a very important charity that funds research into the prevention causes of miscarriage, premature birth and still births. We were very proud to be the higheset fundraising swim school in the whole of the UK last year, raising a huge £1,800, and we would love it if we could take that honour again. Puddle Ducks Nationally is hoping to beat our national total of over £5000 raised in 2010.
The Splashathon will also be combined with a pyjama party, so we can raise awareness of what it feels like to be clothed in water, allowing us to focus on lifesaving skills.
Get Involved: Fundraising
Swimmers can either pick up a paper sponsorship form at class, set up a fundraising site via t www.tommys.org/splash (pick Puddle Ducks Wakefield and South Leeds from the drop-down menu under Schools) or donate via the Puddle Ducks Wakefield page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/wakeypuddle. Alternatively, all pools will have a collection bucket throughout the week.
All parents/carers involved in pre-school lessons should wear pyjamas. If your child gets in the water without you (Dabblers) 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 or long sleeved pyjamas
Dabblers: short sleeved pyjamas
Summer Term News Update
We welcome a new member of the team this term, Verity Howes who has joined us a poolside assistant at The Village Hotel classes. Verity has been attending Puddle Ducks Swimming classes with her two children Maddison (Little Dipper), and Blake (almost a Kicker) for quite some time now. Welcome to the team Verity.
Kerry Sands our poolside assistant from Sandal, Hideaway Spa, the Village and Willow Lodge, begins her first steps to becoming a Puddle Ducks teacher. She is currently undertaking her Baby and Pre-School Swimming Teachers course at Willow Lodge and loving it. She is loving observing our classes in the pool, and will be undertaking her Puddle Ducks training in June - Good luck Kerry, you will be fabulous xx
I am sure you may have noticed already, but we will be having two new Puddle Ducks joining is in September, as Danielle (teacher) and Leanne (poolside at Esporta), are both pregnant and expecting their babies in September. All the best girls, how exciting :) xx
Local Teachers nominated for teacher of the term.
Faye and Danielle were delighted to have been nominated for teacher of the term (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). Although we did not win this time, we are so happy to have been nominated, here is what two of our fantastic customers had to say;
Faye Burrell (Wakefield & South Leeds)
Nominated by Tara Gardner
I would like to nominate faye burrell at Puddle Ducks Wakefield for the favourite teacher award. she is a friendly, happy lass and gives 110% in making your babys swim lesson an enjoyable one. thanks to her my baby is becoming more and more confident in the water. she is brilliant!
Danielle Molyneux (Wakefield & South Leeds)
Nominated by Amalia Whiteside
Danielle is an amazing teacher who makes swimming fun for babies and adults alike. She's got a friendly manner, she knows all her little pupils by name and praises them at very opportunity. Furthermore, she differentiates her lessons extremely well, she gives clear instructions and demonstrates everything precisely. I'm so happy with Danielle's teaching and I'm recommending Puddleducks to everyone I know. Thank you for making swimming so much Danielle. You're a real star!
A big thank you to Tara and Amalia for these nominations.
It's not too late to join our summer term...
The new summer term is underway but don't worry it's not too late to join us.
The Puddle Ducks programme is designed so that babies and children can join us at any time during the term. Many of our activities have a number of progressions so even if our more experienced Puddle Ducks are ahead, our new little swimmers can start off gently. They soon catch up!
Take a look at the "Our Pools" tab and see a list of the classes where we still have some spaces.
We hope to see you in the pool soon. Faye x
Dabblers achieve 5 metre awards
We began our Dabblers classes on a Sunday at The Esporta Health Club last week (the 3rd of April 2011). The children did fantastic without their parents in the water for the first time, and myself and Sara were very proud of them. This week the children went one step further and most of them achieved their 5 metre distance awards after only their second class. WOW!! Massive congratulations to Laila Burrell, Arran McDougle, Isabel Hart and Lucy and Isobel Dyer.
What's on for Little Ones Awards 2011
Do you love your Puddle Ducks classes? Is your teacher the best?
What’s On 4 Little Ones, the popular website for babies, toddlers and preschool children, has announced that nominations are now being taken for their 2010 Awards.
Parents are invited to vote for their favourite activities.
We would LOVE to win one (or more!) of the National Awards. Will YOU help us?
There are two categories:
- Best National Baby and Toddler Development Activity
- Best National Preschooler Development Activity
PLEASE click to place your vote it will only take a minute!
Many, many thanks – watch this space!
Local Teachers gain further swimming qualifications
We are very pleased to announce that Faye and Danielle have just passed the Swimming Teachers Certificate for Beginners this week. This means that all 3 of us can now teach children without their parents in the water, when they have reached the required level. Sara and myself are undertaking our Puddle Ducks Dabblers training in March and will then be offering Dabblers classes for those children who are ready starting on a Sunday at The Esporta Health Club. We are very excited, and know that some parents will be pleased not have to get wet anymore, and some will be a little sad, as find their swimming class a great time to spend quality time with their children. For more details about Dabblers classes, please see the main website, or discuss with your teacher if your child is currently a Dipper, and if they may be getting ready to graduate.
Local Teachers nominated for Teacher of the term
Myself and Danielle were delighted to hear that we were nominated for teacher of the term again this year. Is is so lovely to be recognised for something that we love and enjoy so much. Here is what two of our customers had to say;
"Faye has a unique ability to be professional yet friendly and reassuring, she provides a personal and quality service and oozes passion for her job, Faye always has a warm and friendly manner and although our class is the last of the day you would think it was the first". Tracy Machen, mum to Evie, Splashers at Hideaway Spa.
"We would like to nominate Danielle (Willow Lodge & Wakefield) for the teacher of the term. She is a wonderful teacher, very patient and encouraging and has a natural way with the children (especially my daughter) getting them to do things they would otherwise be reluctant to do she understands each of the children’s natures and knows exactly what puts each child at ease. Under Danielle’s instruction my daughter has become extremely confident in the water and each week progresses more and more with her swimming skills". Paul, Tracy and Jessica McAffrey, Little Dippers at Willow Lodge.
Thnaks again Tracy and The McAffrey family, and anyone else who voted for us in the Teacher of the Term awards, sadly we did not win this year, but it is fantastic to be nominated. Details of the next award will be in the Spring Customer Newsletter.
New member of the team
Puddle Ducks Wakefield says a big welcome to Kerry Sands who has joined our team as a Poolside Assistant at Hideaway Spa pool and midweek at Willow Lodge.
We also welcomed Debbie this month as a Poolside Assistant at The Village on a Monday and Willow Lodge on a Saturday, Debbie is our teacher Danielle's sister. A huge welcome to you both, you are a great assett to us and I wish you lot's of enjoyment in your new role.
Dates for our next underwater photo shoot in November
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 28th November 2010 at our Willow Lodge Pool. Bookings will be taken from 1st October.
The booking fee (non-returnable and payable to Puddle Ducks Wakefield) will be £35 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 £35 booking fee (payable to Puddle Ducks Wakefield) to 6 Chandlers Close, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 2LY.
Splashathon 2010 Thank-you
We would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who took part in our Splashathon last term. It was great fun to see so many of you in the pool in your PJ’s.
Can you believe that Puddle Ducks raised over £6000 for Tommy's? Thank you SO much.
WOW – I am very proud to announce that all my customers from Puddle Ducks Wakefield, raised an astonishing £1870, making us the HIGHEST FUNDRAISING SWIM SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY!
We must make a couple of extra special mentions;
Congratulations and thank you to Ross Davies with Charlie who was our biggest fundraiser (£137 – wow!) in Wakefield and the winner of a FREE VIP DAY FOR TWO at Village Health & Fitness .
Special mentions to Minal Gopal with Dhian, Elizabeth Fairburn with Heidi, Gav Smith with Max, Helena Macnab with Jack, Sarah Jaques with Libby and Julia Owen- Smith with Jonathan who all raised over £100 each, FANTASTIC.
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.
EXTRA HOURS AT ESPORTA HEALTH CLUB
We are delighted to announce that from the January term, we will be running extra classes at The Esporta Health Club, Thornbury on a Friday 11.30 – 1.30pm and a Sunday morning 9.30 – 11.30. Tuesday’s and Saturday’s will continue as the present. For more details, email Faye or await for re-enrolments to be out in the next few weeks. Thankyou.
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
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.
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 pre-school 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. 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 Wakefield 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
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
Local Teachers Nominated for Teacher of the Term Summer 2010
Danielle, nominated by Paula Moffat
Faye and Danielle, both teachers in the Wakefield, Sheffield and South Leeds franchise, were delighted to learn that their customers had nominated them for Teachers of Term 2010. This is what their customers had to say:
I would like to nominate Faye Burrell for teacher of the term. Faye has made us feel very welcome in her classes and nothing is too much trouble. She put me at ease when Sophie cried all through our first lesson and always gives full instruction and advice on how to deal with any problems encountered in the pool. She is a credit to Puddle Ducks. Regards. Nicola Griffiths
Our teacher Danielle (Puddleducks Wakefield) is relatively new and took over our sons class this term, but its like she has been there from the start with him. He can be nervous of the water and sometimes wary of strangers but he has taken to Danielle in such a way that she even gets a cuddle and kiss at the end of the lesson now. Regards Paula Moffat
I think Faye Burrell (wakefield) should be teacher of the term here are my 50 words why! Faye is very enthusiatic about her job & cares so much for all the children, she has given me & my daughter SO much confidence & Charlotte can't to attend her class every week. Faye has taught Charlotte to swim unaided in under 18 months! Puddle Ducks is fantatsic!
Faye and Danielle would like to thank all of their lovely customers and wish them a wonderful Summer Break.
Posted on 13th July 2010 by Tracy
Baby Swimming Teachers Wanted in West and South Yorkshire
Do you love being in the water with your child during your classes?
Do you feel passionate about the life saving skill that you are providing your little one?
Would you like to share this experience with other parents so they too can have fun but learn life saving skills?
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 new teachers to cover the Barnsley, Leeds and Wakefield area, so please get in touch with Faye for more details!
Posted on 2nd July 2010
SANDAL ENDOWED JUNIOR SCHOOL
Over the Summer holidays, Sandal Endowed C of E school is having it’s pool and facilities refurbished and so will not be ready in time for our term to start their on a Wednesday session as we currently have. We will definitely be back here in January 2011, and possibly in the Autumn term depending on how quickly work goes.
Posted on 2nd July 2010
THE BUSY BABY SHOW
Saturday 17th July 2010 10am – 3.30pm at Benton Park School, Harrogate Road, Leeds LS19 6LX - FREE ENTRY!
Come & visit Puddle Ducks Wakefield at the event, special offers for new customers who enrol with us at the show !
For more information visit www.busybabyshow.co.uk
Posted on 2nd July 2010
Splashathon 2010 - lets try to save tiny lives- w/c 5/7/2010
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 5th July 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 or sleepsuits. 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 and FREE VIP guest pass for 2 to The Village Hotel leisure club. 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 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 Wakefield 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 17th May 2010 by Jo Stone
New Baby Swim Teacher for Wakefield
New Puddle Ducks Wakefield baby swim teacher Danielle
We are delighted to introduce you to our new, fabulous teacher, Danni. Danni completed her gruelling seven day training course at the beginning of March and is looking forward to running her own classes soon.
Faye tracked Danni down to ask her a few questions:
Where and when did you hear about Puddle Ducks?
After looking for lessons for my son, I came across the Puddle Ducks website, we booked our first lesson with Faye and never looked back.
What did you do before training to become a teacher?
I teach a range of fitness classesand I am studying to become a teacher.
Why did you decide to train?
Both myself and more importantly, my son, took to Puddle Ducks and their ways of teaching, so becoming a teacher mysekf seemed like the next step.
What was the hardest thing about the training?
There is a lot to learn in a short space of time, but well worth it.
What was the best bit about the training?
Teaching a class by myself and seeing the enjoyment the kids get from it.
When you are not getting wrinkly in the water, what do you like to do?
I spend time with my son, we like walking our two dogs and going to the park.
What are you most excited about next?
Getting my own classes and seeing the progression of the kids as they become “Puddle Ducks”.
Posted on 15th March 2010 by Tracy
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
What our customers have to say......
This is what a couple of our customers had to say about us on NETMUMS.co.uk
"Can I let any parent who is interested in teaching their
child to swim that Puddle Ducks is a fab way of getting your little
one water confident & swimming - my daughter has done 5 weeks
with Faye & her confidence has grown so much in the water - it
is fab & Faye is fantastic with the kids (& grown ups
too!)"
31st March, 2009
" I would recommend Puddle Ducks to any parent interested in gaining a water confident baby - my 2 year old daughter started attending 'little dippers' in February & since starting her lessons with Faye she has gained so much confidence in the water & she looks forward to Saturday when she knows she is going to be a Puddle Duck!"
Posted on 30th April 2009
Any Pools?
We are a rapidly growing franchise. If you know of anyone who would like to hire a pool to us, we would love to be introduced to them!
Many Thanks
Faye & Lena
Posted on 11th December 2008
VOTE FOR US at whatson4littleones.co.uk
Do you love your Puddle Ducks classes? Is your teacher the best?
What’s On 4 Little Ones, the popular website for babies, toddlers and preschool children, has announced that nominations are now being taken for their 2009 Awards.
Parents are invited to vote for their favourite activities.
We would LOVE to win one (or more!) of the National Awards. Will YOU help us?
There are three categories:
- Best National Baby Development Activity
- Best National Toddler Development Activity
- Best National Preschool Development Activity
PLEASE click to place your vote it will only take a minute.
There are also “special” awards – why not vote for your Teacher too?!
Many, many thanks – watch this space!
Posted on 13th October 2008
February Half Term
Don't forget that half term is February 16th - 22nd 2009. Unless you have been specifically notified otherwise, there will be no class that week.
Posted on 11th February 2009
VOTE FOR US at whatson4littleones.co.uk
Do you love your Puddle Ducks classes? We are pleased to announce that we have been nominated in the Whats On for Little Ones Awards for
- Best National Baby Development Activity
- Best National Toddler Development Activity
- Best National Preschool Development Activity
Why not click here to place your vote for Puddle Ducks in all three categories, it will only take a minute.
Many, many thanks – watch this space!
Posted on 3rd February 2009
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Penistone Pool |
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Hideaway Spa |
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Sandal pool |
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About these classes » |
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Virgin Active |
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About these classes » |
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The Village |
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The House of Elliott Pool |
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Local links
Sa-Be
UK Manufacturer and retailer of comfortable stretch wrap style baby carriers, dribble bibs and more!
Cocoon
Coocoon Kids is a designer childrens wear store and web shop for children aged 0-12 yrs.
Diesel, Roxy, Ben Sherman, Quicksilver, O'Neill.
Bumps and Babes
Welcome to Bumps and Babes Ltd delivering Health & Fitness and Nurturing throughout Pregnancy, Childbirth & Early Parenthood; promoting ‘Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy baby, Healthy life' and 'Fit for Pregnancy, Childbirth & Life Beyond'.
LITTLESHOP
Full of little lovelies
Nappy Cakes baked to order, Beautiful items for babies, Mums and Dads. Products made with lots of love.
Little Cotton Socks Gifts
Your One Stop Shop For Customised Baby Gifts.
Personalised babygrows, children's t-shirts, Nappy cakes AND MUCH MORE!!
The Perfect Cake Company
Home based cake making company in Leeds.
Photo gallery
"Im coming to get you Duck"
5 Puddle Ducks...
Loving time with mummy
Noah comfortable on a woggle
How cute
Isla
Blake, Verity's little boy
Alfie being tickled by the Puddle Ducks
Monkey Walking with Daddy
Dexter loving it on his woggles!
Big breath.....Bubbles....
Ooo lovely relaxing swim with mummy
Loving time with Daddy
Seal Dive
Its a Duck!
Having fun with mummy!
The ball is mine
Olive, Sara's daughter, being tickled by Puddle Ducks
Betty, Sara's daughter
Betty splashing Sara :)
Sydney happy as can be
William at my first Underwater shoot in July 2010.
Amelia enjoying her swim
Cuddle with Mummy
Jessica, our poolside assistant Leanne's little one
I love it!
Look at me!
Hello Puddle the duck!
Yahooo!
Testimonials
I started swimming lessons with my daughter Immie in September. We went to Hoylandswaine and our teacher Faye was fab. Really patient, didn't bother if the babies cried etc (unlike a mother and baby yoga class I went to!) I felt so confident being in the water with Immie and even doing the submersions. When it came to an underwater photoshoot, I was unwell. I was gutted as we had been preparing for ages for it and I was really looking forward to it. So my husband (who is not a confident swimmer at all) was coaxed by Faye in to taking Immie himself. He was petrified but Faye helped to relax him, Immie loved it, we got some fab pics and my husband was so chuffed he went, he didn't stop talking about it all the way home.
It is that encouragement, positivity and understanding which made the whole term just brilliant.
I was a little bit gutted when at the end of the term Faye announced we were to have a different teacher after Christmas. Attending the first lesson in January I was worried we wouldn't enjoy the lessons as much without Faye. But I can honestly say as soon as we got in the water I knew our new teacher, Danielle, was going to be fab too!
Immie loves her swimming lessons so much and particularly enjoys trying to grab the ducks! She is confident and happy in the water. I am going to make every effort to continue the lessons at weekends once I return to work.
I put down our positive experience to fantastic Puddle ducks staff! We can't thank them enough!
by Helen Stokes, mum to Imogen, Splashers at Willow Lodge Pool
Puddleducks is an amazing way to intorduce you precious little one to water - or even get your slightly older ones water confident - I would highly recommend Faye/Danielle as swimming teachers to anyone as they were amazing with my daughter & she loved the classes SO much
by Jen, Wakefield, January 2010
"Faye has a unique ability to be professional yet friendly and reassuring, she provides a personal
and quality service and oozes passion for her job, Faye always has a warm and friendly manner
and although our class is the last of the day you would think it was the first"
by Tracy Machen, mum to Evie, aged 1 year.
We would like to nominate Danielle (Willow Lodge & Wakefield) for the teacher of the term. She is a wonderful teacher, very patient and encouraging and has a natural way with the children, (especially my daughter) getting them to do things they would otherwise be reluctant to do. She understands each of the children’s natures and knows exactly what puts each child at ease. Under Danielle’s instruction my daughter has become extremely confident in the water and each week progresses more and more with her swimming skills.
by Paul and Tracy McAffrey, with Jessica, Little Dippers at Willow Lodge pool
"Me and my little boy attended the Little Dippers class today and he absolutey loved it! We can't wait for next week. It is a well structured and fun class and worth every penny. Highly recommended!"
by Vicki in January 2009
"I can definately recommend these classes, my son (13 weeks old) and I attended a Floaties class today and had a brilliant time. A great bonding experience, as well as getting him used to the water".
by Anna in January 2009
