Please be aware Swim Academy classes start 20 June 2026 and our Pre-School lessons are bookable for a September start 

What is the Puddle Ducks approach?

Puddle Ducks is all about nurturing water confidence through listening to the individual needs of each child, ensuring that the experience is positive and fun.

Submersions (going underwater) is an important step in learning to swim, but at Puddle Ducks we NEVER force submersions - it is incredibly important to us to build up confidence with learning signals and taking small steps first, then when we feel baby is ready we will only ever submerge them when they 'signal' back that they are ready.

We never submerge a baby who is unhappy - instead gently offering an alternative until they are relaxed enough to take that next big step. 

How can I find out more about monthly payments?

You can click here to view our Monthly Payments FAQs document.

What if my child is ill?

Firstly, if you know that you won't be able to attend a class at least 24 hours before the class takes place, you can let us know via your My Puddle Ducks account on both your Overview page and also your My Children page by clicking on ‘Let us know you can’t attend a lesson’ and following the instructions.

This will generate a Courtesy Class for you to then use against any lesson where there is space in the next 6 months (provided you are currently in paid-for lessons). Read more in our Courtesy Classes FAQs.

If your child has a chest, ear, throat or eye infection they shouldn’t swim until it has completely cleared.

Please don’t bring your child to the pool during, or for two weeks after, suffering from diarrhoea.

Going swimming is unlikely to worsen a mild cold and will not increase the likelihood of an ear infection unless your baby has a perforated eardrum.

Please do not bring your child to a swimming class with anything that could be infectious, such as chickenpox, which is considered infectious until all the blisters have dried up.

It’s worth remembering that children are often exhausted after an illness and need some time to recuperate before returning to their swimming lessons. Unfortunately, we can't offer a refund but where possible, we offer goodwill Courtesy Classes so that you won't miss out.