We are a friendly bunch at Puddle Ducks Oxfordshire and we wanted you to know a little bit more about us and why we do what we do.
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Beccy
Franchisee
I became passionate about baby swimming after taking my eldest daughter, Isabella, to classes when she was four months old. I have always been a keen swimmer and Isabella’s lessons quickly became the highlight of my week. She is still a keen swimmer and loves spending time at the pool. My youngest, Amelia, started swimming at seven weeks old and is equally at ease in the water.
I enjoyed baby swimming classes so much that I decided not to go back to my original HR career and starting teaching baby, toddler and pre-school swimming lessons instead and I can honestly say that I have never looked back!
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Keri
Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Senior Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
Hi, I live with my husband, 2 children and chocolate Labrador. I spent most of my time, while growing up in South Africa, in swimming pools so feel quite at home in water.
My 2 children are very keen swimmers so when I am not in the water teaching, I am either at swim training or poolside at a swimming gala.
I love watching little one’s progress through our programmes and having FUN at the same time.
A Few of my favourite things
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Baking with my daughter
- Going on family walks with our dogs
Keri teaches at Northleach, Shilton and Lincoln Farm Park
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Sharon
Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Senior Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
After being made redundant from a management job in an office I decided to have a career rethink. I thought about what I love doing, what I want to get out of working and how to balance work with my young family. I swam with a club when I was young and have always loved the water so I decided that teaching swimming would be the new career for me! I took my own children to various swim schools but when I spoke to Puddle Ducks I knew that they were the perfect fit. I love the Puddle Ducks ethos, the care they have for all of our customers and they are such a friendly and supportive team to be part of.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Playing with my two boys
- Movies
- Netball
Sharon teaches at The Wiltshire and Shrivenham
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Emma
Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have always loved being in the water, spending most of my childhood at the pool as a competitive swimmer. When looking to change my career, swim teaching seemed like a good fit for me!
I found a role at a swim school and fell in love with it Two years later I joined Puddle Ducks looking to expand my knowledge with Baby & Pre school classes, Puddle Ducks provided all the necessary training and more!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Cooking/baking
- Swimming
- DYI projects
Emma teaches at Radley College, Shrivenham, Lechlade, and East Hanney
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Tash
Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
After having Max I quickly realised I didn’t want to go back to my full time office job. I was looking for swimming lessons for Max and thought that teaching children to swim is something I would love to do. I contacted the Puddle Ducks Oxfordshire office and the rest is history…
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Playing with my little boy, Max
- Swimming
- Reading
- Food
Tash teaches at Lechlade and Lincoln Farm Park
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Cheryl
Baby and Pre-school and Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I began my journey becoming a swimming teacher by being a Poolside Assistant at a hydro pool in Yorkshire for Puddle Ducks back in 2018. I fell in love with the Puddle Ducks style of teaching; that after only a short few months I decided to embark on my training. It was the best thing I've ever done. It's the best job in the world!
A Few of my Favourite Things:
- Swimming!
- Animals (my Bulgarian rescue dog Millie and Scrabble the hamster)
- My children, fiancé and my family
Cheryl teaches at Lechlade and Shrivenham
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Lynn
Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have 3 children of my own who have always enjoyed their swimming lessons.
Once my twins started school I very quickly realised I needed something to keep me busy...I’m not used to being home alone in a quiet house! I knew a few of the Puddle Ducks ladies and made some enquiries and started as a poolside assistant. I really enjoyed watching the lessons and chatting to the mums and little ones and decided to take the plunge and commence my teacher training. I’m so glad I did as I love my job and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Spending time with my family
- Tapas......yum!
- Running....it keeps me sane.....almost!
Lynn teaches at East Hanney, Shrivenham and Shilton
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Lucy
Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I was looking for a position that fitted in with my family life with 2 children better than my previous job. When I stumbled across an advert for a Puddle Ducks swimming teacher I just thought, how perfect, that would be combining my love of swimming, skills of teaching, enjoyment of being with children and more time with my own children – I just had to go for it! Taking the leap of faith into the swimming teacher world is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- My children - a boy and a girl with an 8 year age gap!
- Numbers are my thing - I'm currently studying for a maths degree.
- All things Disney - if I had to pick a favourite movie it would have to be Beauty and the Beast
Lucy teaches at Radley College in Abingdon
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Clair
Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
Swimming was the only sport I was any good at when I was younger, probably because I loved it so much. So when my children came along I was adamant that they start swimming as soon as possible.
At the time I had a career in finance and never dreamed I could be the one teaching! However, fate had it all planned out, my husband’s job relocated to Yorkshire and I wanted to find a job that allowed me more time with my children. So I asked the lady who was teaching my daughter at the time whether I would be any good as a poolside assistant, I was a bit shocked when she said “no but I bet you could teach”.
Four years later here I am (after relocating back down south - hubbies job moved again!) still teaching (thanks to Beccy taking me on) and still loving watching my little swimmers grow and change from babies to little people.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- A good book
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A trip to the theatre
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Building our own house
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My crazy but amazing family including Beanie the dog
Clair teaches at Riverside House, Lechlade
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Theresa
Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I always aspired to a career that would provide pride, satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment so this is why I initially decided to teach. Being a primary school teacher enabled me to embrace children’s interests, ideas and nurture young minds. However, becoming a Mum of two beautiful children has enabled me to gain a new ‘hands-on’ perspective and it is through them that I first experienced the Puddle Ducks programme. My children are now both very water confident and spend most of their time underneath the water as opposed to on top of it?! Being a Mum continually provides me with a wealth of invaluable knowledge, skills and understanding which will only enrich the experience of working with babies, children and their parents/carers through those developing invaluable pre-school years!
I am hard working, energetic and enthusiastic and have enjoyed every moment of my development from an established classroom practitioner, to teaching pre-schoolers to ‘Sing and Sign’ and now to becoming a fully-fledged Puddle Ducks teacher! I have found the journey to be challenging but extremely personally rewarding and I can’t wait to see where my Puddle Ducks journey will take me next..!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- My children/family;
- My 13 year old Shih-tzu dog ‘Flipflop!’
- The ocean/beach.
Theresa teaches at Dormer House, Standlake
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Vicky
Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have always had a love for swimming from a young age as was in Highworth swimming club when I was at school. I had the pleasure of being able to teach my niece and nephew to swim from 6 months old and always had a passion to teach others about water safety as its such a important skill to learn. After having my son in 2020, I found a part of me missing and wanted to fill this something I could give back to others. I've always been interested in teaching babies and pre-school children to swim. So I got in touch with Beccy from Oxfordshire Puddle Ducks and with her advice and guidance I am doing what I love!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- I enjoy spending time with my 2.5 year old at the weekends and holidays
- I love chocolate
- Love to sing Puddle Duck songs out loud in the car
Vicky teaches at Radley College and St Hughs
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Rhiannon
Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
From an early age I always wanted to work with children so I focused my studies toward this and at the age of 17 starting working in a nursery and completed my level 3 in childcare, I worked with the babies and toddlers mainly before starting my degree in early years and moved nurseries so I would managed a pre-school room, from there we expanded the setting and myself and the pre-school children moved and formed our own pre-school separate from the nursery. I managed the new setting which looked after children from 2- 12 years, with a breakfast and afterschool club. I loved my pre-school but it was time to start thinking about building my own family. So I stepped away from childcare to have my own children.
I had my first little girl in 2018 and 15 months later we had our second little girl. I wanted to still work with children, but nurseries was not for me any more. I have always loved swimming and wanted the girls to be confident in the water. After a swimming lesson search I found Puddle Ducks and feel in love. An opportunity came to join the team and the more I looked into the company the more I wanted to join and start my new adventure.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Sleeping
- Spending time with my family and friends
- Food
Rhiannon teaches at Everlast Swindon and Lechlade
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Vicky B
Baby and Pre-school Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have 2 children; a 7 year old daughter and 3 year old son. They both love to be in the water.
My first experience of Puddle Ducks was in 2017 when my daughter started swimming at 6 weeks old. It was our favourite time of the week.
When a Poolside Assistant position came up a year later I applied and joined the Oxfordshire team, and loved it! It is great watching little ones on their swimming journey.
I took some time away when I had my son, and then re-joined recently and began training to teach with Puddle Ducks. I am so pleased to now be part of the teaching team and can't wait to help lots of little ones to learn an important life skill.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Cold lasagne
- Tea and biscuits
- Anything outdoors, whatever the weather!
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Steph
Swim Academy Teacher and Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I’d been going to Puddle Ducks lessons with my children for a couple of years so when I saw they were hiring locally for a Poolside Assistant I knew I’d enjoy it.
I love watching the lessons poolside, it’s been so cool to see the confidence grow with little ones and their grownups alike.
A Few of my Favourite Things
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I love being at the allotment
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Cosying with the kids and a film, or bingeing TV shows
- The Lakes
Steph teaches at Lechlade
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Jess
Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have been swimming since I was 3 months old and have always loved it. I’ve been swimming competitively since the age of 8 and have since qualified for English nationals. My love for swimming and watching others teach when I was a lifeguard made me realise that I would love to teach other people how to swim as I think that it is such a fun and rewarding job.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Swimming
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Music
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Shopping
Jess teaches at Lechlade
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Izzy
Swim Academy Teacher and Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I fell in love with swimming from a very early age and went to Puddle Ducks lessons. I have continued to swim since then. I love all sports and currently swim competitively, play handball and also dive amongst any other sports I can fit in! I am taking my GCSEs at the moment whilst working as a Poolside Assistant.
A Few of my Favourite Things
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Playing sports
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Spending time with my family and pets
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Spending time in the sun
Izzy covers all pools
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Ali
Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
After working in a pre-school for 12 years I wanted a change in career but still term time to fit in with my home life. I saw the advert for a Poolside Assistant and was interested to find out more. I’m so pleased Beccy took me on as I love my job!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- My children
- Gym and training
- Going to the beach
Ali is Poolside Assistant at Lechlade
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Louisa
Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
My eldest daughter learnt to swim with Puddle Ducks in Kent. After having relocated to be closer to family in Oxfordshire, I was delighted to be able to take my youngest to the lessons here. When a position for poolside assistant came up, I thought I’d take the plunge and join in. And lucky for me, Beccy welcomed me on board!
I had been a stay at home Mama for 6 years after leaving my career as a Senior Auditor in an accountancy practice and was ready for something new. With my youngest daughter still at playgroup part time, the hours and ethos Puddle Ducks offered were perfect for me. I love meeting all the children and their families and being able to see them progress. Those early years before school are such a magical time, and swimming such an important life skill, I thoroughly enjoy being part of the journey.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Thai Food
- My Family
- My Cats
Louisa is Poolside Assistant at Shilton and Northleach
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Seren
Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I was in a swimming pool at 6 months old and have loved it ever since. I completed my rookie lifeguard qualification whilst still at primary school and am hoping to do my NPLQ this summer. I love being a Poolside Assistant with Puddle Ducks, watching and supporting the children to enjoy the water just like I did.
A Few of my Favourite Things
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Watching netflix
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Paddle boarding
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CrossFit
Seren is Poolside Assistant at Lechlade
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Aimee
Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I am a mum of two boys who have both swam with Puddle Ducks from a young age. I have been a hairdresser for years and wanted a bit of a change, so when the opportunity came up to work for Puddle Ducks I jumped at the chance, and I am really enjoying meeting all of the lovely customers each week at Northleach.
A Few of my Favourite Things
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Playing with my boys
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Walking my dog
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Spending time with my family
Aimee is Poolside Assistant at Northleach
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Emma
Poolside Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
I have always worked within a care setting, starting in nursery’s and then joined the OSJCT trust as a carer for the elderly with dementia, I left to have my oldest and have since had two more children. Not being in any workplace for 7 years I was needing something a little more flexible than care work, I came across Puddle Ducks and fell in love! Being poolside is an absolute pleasure, I enjoy meeting all the families and watching each child’s confidence and skills grow each week, the relaxing environment is also a bonus.
A Few of my Favourite Things
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Rainy days
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Spending time with my family
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Crafting - my sewing and cricut machines are always running
Emma is Poolside Assistant at East Hanney and Dormer House Standlake
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Aimee
Customer Service Manager, Baby and Pre-school Teacher and Swim Academy Teacher
A Little Bit About Me
I have recently joined the amazing puddle ducks team and I couldn't be Happier.
Having been in the swimming school industry for many years now I have finally found a team of people that support, encourage and are super professional. In my previous role I was a teacher for four years so I'm super excited to be joining not only the admin team but the teaching team too!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Singing in my band
- Wild swimming
- Spending time with my family
Aimee teaches at Shrivenham
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Kathryn
Customer Care Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
After a career in financial services and then being a stay at home mum to three lovely boys, Puddle Ducks was the perfect role to fit in with busy family life! I love to run and go on long walks and as a family we enjoy holidays and camping trips together. I loved Puddle Ducks lessons as a new mum. I adored seeing my babies joy and freedom of being in the water, gaining confidence and of course hearing lots of baby giggles!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Long walks and being outdoors
- Cream teas
- Toasting marshmallows on a campfire
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Nicky
Customer Care Assistant
A Little Bit About Me
After recently becoming a mum to my little girl Maddie, I soon realised that I no longer wanted to return to my job as a full time Nursery manager and began to look for a career change. When I saw that Puddle Ducks were looking for someone to join their office team, I instantly knew it would be an interesting and exciting new role for me, that would work perfectly around my family and still allow me to work with children and their families in which I am very passionate about. I am also really excited for Maddie to be a part of Puddle Ducks and begin her swimming journey!
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Exploring the outdoors (with my dog Ted)
- Horse riding
- Spending time with family and friends
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Laura
Marketing Manager
A Little Bit About Me
After having my second child going back to working full time in the marketing world just didn't appeal to me. Having spent 20 years working in marketing agency's in London I wanted a job which I could do around my children. Puddle Ducks is perfect for that, it enables me to use all my marketing skills whilst also being able to spend plenty of time with my children.
A Few of my Favourite Things
- Playing with my children
- Catching up with friends and family
- Eating chocolate