Star Teacher Award Nominations - Autumn / Winter 2025

Emma - WINNER

WINNING NOMINATION

I enthusiastically nominate Emma for her outstanding dedication to Puddle Ducks swim instruction. While my baby has progressed significantly in the past month, our specific experience during a courtesy class with Emma was truly exceptional.

Emma is a gifted teacher who provided my baby with incredible one-on-one attention. She explained each activity with clarity, detailing its purpose and demonstrating how we could adapt it as my baby gains confidence and strength.

Her professionalism shone during a challenging moment when my baby accidentally swallowed water for the first time. Emma instantly kept us both calm, reassured me the reaction was normal, and expertly adapted the rest of the lesson to ensure my baby stayed happy and engaged. Her quick, supportive actions turned a potentially scary event into a positive learning experience, demonstrating the highest level of care. Thank you, Emma, for making such a significant difference! Sophie & Emily

 

Emma’s the kind of swimming teacher everyone loves — friendly, easy to talk to, and approachable. She is calm and patient with the children but is direct when needed and gives clear instructions. Her lessons move along at just the right pace — never boring, never rushed — and she somehow makes blowing bubbles fun. Emma cheers all the children on with genuine enthusiasm, and you can tell she really cares about them and her job. Emma is a big reason why we attend classes and she deserves recognition for how amazing she is. Hannah & Joshua

 

Emma has been an amazing teacher over the last 14mths.
Zack just loves his swimming lessons and so excited each week. His confidence and ability in the water is fantastic to see and it's thanks to Emma.  Debbie & Zack 

 

Emma has taught William ever since I started swimming with him. Emma is so personable and William loves her. We look forward to our swimming lessons with her. Sarah & William 

 

Emma is very engaging, very aware of the children in the pool who are confident and some that need that extra helping hand. Emma is incredibly encouraging and will listen to you as a parent and watch even when you don't think she is, to offer guidance. Our daughter wowed so many people on holiday in June with her skills and couldn't believe she was a 2yr old swimming with so much confidence with just a pool noodle. Alicia & Autumn

 

Emma is an amazing swimming teacher. She always makes Joshveer and I feel welcomed. She is very good at keeping the class fun yet challenging. We enjoy the lessons due to Emma’s excellent skill and capability. Thank you. Manjot & Joshveer

 

Emma is always amazing with the children.
Since Hallie has moved up to Level 3 Emma has constantly supported Hallie, she does sometimes need a little more help than others in the class and Emma is so caring and understanding with this.
Last week Hallie cut her knee at school and ended up scratching this whilst climbing out of the pool, Emma could see Hallie was upset due to it hurting and Emma really did look after her, even to the point Hallie was reluctant to jump in the pool (which never happens) so Emma partnered up with Hallie which resulted in Hallie then jumping in. Emma knew that this cut Hallie had on her knee had made her upset and didn't push Hallie into doing anything that day and was just amazing, so attentive and caring. As a mum I really appreciate moments like this as it just demonstrates the staff you have as a company really do have the children's best interest at heart. Carla & Hallie

 

Emma always makes Arthur and myself feel so welcome. She always knows how to push onto the next level of swimming as she has a very good understanding of his abilities.  Joanne & Arthur

 

Emma is very patient with Dexter and his cheeky ways and also makes me feel at ease, we love our lessons! Chloe & Dexter

 

Emma makes lessons engaging, fun and productive for the children. If, for whatever reason, babies/children are not enjoying certain activities she will quickly adapt and change. Finley loves Emma - and so do I!! She's made swimming lessons enjoyable and I can't thank her enough for the hardwork she puts in to make sure every child (and adult) feel apart of the session. Hannah & Finley

 

Emma is enthusiastic and creates a safe, encouraging environment where children feel supported yet challenged. She takes the time to get to know each child individually, demonstrating a clear depth of knowledge, and communicates new tasks with confidence and reassurance, putting parents at ease. Charlotte & Hunter

 

We want to nominate Emma as star teacher again as she really is an absolute credit to Puddle Ducks. Not only is she a fantastic teacher with such deep knowledge but she also really takes the time to get to know each child she swims with. Luca can be a real monkey when he wants to but she always knows what to do to bring him around. She is always ready to find the right colour woggles for him (red and blue) to swap the float around so the red side is showing when he jumps or to call him Spiderman when he is refusing to answer to his actual name !
His swimming has come on so much recently, and it is all down to Emma. He trusts her implicitly, he wants to
Impress her and will listen to her when he won’t listen to anyone else. She is fab and we really want her to know it! Liz & Luca

 

Emma is fun, friendly and a fantastic teacher. Rose has come on in leaps and bounds and is so water confident thanks to Emma’s support. Emma cares about her children and parents alike, we’ve just had another baby and she has looked after me through pregnancy and advised on the best ways to manage Rose whilst swimming. She is fabulous and we really appreciate everything she has done for Rose and we feel so confident with Rose in the water. Thank you Emma! Zoe & Rose

 

My daughter loves her swimming lessons since she’s moved to level 5 where Emma is teaching. Izabela & Zofia

 

I nominated Emma for this award last time and I am more than happy to nominate her again! Emma is the most caring and supportive teacher and she works so hard to make sure that both myself and my daughter are comfortable and enjoying our swimming session. She is absolutely fantastic with my daughter - even when she can be a little Madame! Emma was my teacher during my antenatal class when I was pregnant as well and I have always enjoyed my lessons with her. She is a credit to Puddle Ducks.  Victoria & Daphne

 

I know I’ve just missed the deadline, but I wanted to send this anyway in case my nomination can still count. Emma truly deserves recognition. She’s kind, friendly and endlessly patient. She’s made such a difference to my son’s confidence in the water and her calm, encouraging approach makes every lesson a joy.  Sophie & Luke

 

Kelsy

The most patient and truly caring teacher. She makes my water petrified daughter’s lessons fun and easy for me. Can’t thank her enough for what she is doing for her and me🙂❤️  Divya & Sanvi

Paula

We have been swimming with Paula for around 2 years and I could write a book, but it would still be unjust to how amazing she is.
She is always welcoming, friendly and supportive. Her teaching style is one of confidence and compassion. She remembers the little things about each of the children, from their favourite coloured woggle to their preferred activities. She is always patient and never pushes when the little ones are having an off day.
Her friendly and enthusiastic nature shines through, encouraging and praising the children with even the smallest milestone.
We cannot thank Paula enough for always being the best. Steph & Emma.

 

Because she is brilliant! Always friendly and welcoming. Gives nice clear instructions and alternatives when Jamie decides he's fed up of being on his back. Jamie always likes to give Paula a smile. Arianne & Jamie

 

Paula is our regular teacher and she has built up such a lovely relationship with Mason, he loves swimming and that’s all down to her! She deserves the credit for the amazing job she does! Amy & Mason

 

Freya had a tough start to her swimming journey but Paula persevered with us and recommended a different pool where Freya has come on in leaps and bounds. Freya now loves swimming & we still see Paula now and again at Greenacre & sometimes the village. Paula certainly has an eye for detail and has given me some really helpful advice.
We would love her to win this award, she really deserves it!  Fiona & Freya

 

Paula was an amazing teacher when I did aquanatal, and she has continued to be amazing when I have brought my son to floaties. She is knowledgeable, patient, and really takes an interest in your child. She makes the lessons enjoyable and its the best part of our week. Claire & Edwin

 

Paula is an amazing teacher for the aquanatal classes. She is friendly and knowledgeable and will always make sure that you are not overdoing the exercises. It was such a lovely atmosphere created by Paula and gave me something to look forward. She now teaches my little one in floaties and is once again amazing! My little one was upset at first but Paula is always reassuring and made us feel at ease. I have every confidence that my little one will flourish in Paula's lessons! Maria & Scarlett

 

Annie’s swimming and confidence in the water has come on so much since having lessons with Paula.
She looks forward to seeing her every week and despite not being the quietest in the class Paula takes it all in her stride. Even when she is ‘cheeky Paula’ for pushing Annie to do the things she knows she can do! Lianne & Annie

Josie

Josie has helped Krish in both stages in gaining confidence in water. This has made it an easy transition into stage 1 of the academy.  Radhika & Krish

 

Josie is a wonderful teacher! She is so energetic and treats all the parent and children with respect. I feel safe with my child in the water with Josie as his teacher. He loves her singing and she makes him smile through the lesson. We could not ask for a better teacher. Thank you Josie! Bethany & Aloysius

 

Josie has been so kind and helpful on Hetty’s swimming journey. Since starting in splashers then kickers and now little dippers Josie has help Hetty become more independent at swimming. Hetty will follow Josie’s instructions when she is in the pool
Hetty looking forward to seeing Josie every week for her swimming lesson. Ruth & Henrietta

 

Josie’s been a revelation for our boy’s confidence. He’s often shy around strangers and was really resistant to getting involved in his first lesson. I feared we may have to cut the lesson short. Then Josie did her thing, bringing the enthusiasm and engagement he needed to open up. In no less than a few minutes, he was not only getting involved with the other children, but was even willing to go to Josie as part of one exercise. All in all, Josie’s always giving her all and somehow maintains the enthusiasm with back-to-back lessons! During lessons, she even finds a way to provide tailored guidance for each child. I’m sure other parents will join me in saying she’s always on her A game and more than deserving of the award. Thanks Josie and team - we will be sending our second here too! Abdul & Rayhan

 

We would like to nominate Josie for always making us feel welcome in class. Albert has come on massively since joining puddle ducks thanks to Josie and her encouragement.  Georgia & Albert

Verity

Verity has been wonderful at the start of Elsie’s time swimming. She’s positive and adapts her teaching to meet Elsie’s needs. Thank you, Verity x Liz & Elsie

 

She has been excellent and I enjoy my daughter really enjoys her sessions with Verity. Thank you. Mounira & Jameera

 

From Hattie (4): Because she's my best swimming teacher and she helps me to dive under the water. Because I can swim if I ever fall into the water. She's friendly.  Hattie & Simon

 

Verity is a great teacher! She makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome to the swimming lessons. My son has progressed so much with swimming since starting at puddle ducks, seeing his confidence in the water grow each week is lovely and I put that down to Verity! She is so patient with him and is always cheering him on throughout the different activities in our lessons. Nicole & Harry

Catherine

She's been so good with Lily and we always look forward to lessons with her. Lily is comfortable with her and I couldn't ask for more from a swim teacher. Laura & Lily Eaton

 

Catherine is amazing with the babies in the pool. She also helps the parents in the pool with the activities & is very chatty and kind to everyone. Chloe & Aurelia

 

Catherine is so lovely and friendly and really makes you feel at ease when in the pool. Sophie isn't the most confident at getting her face wet which Catherine knows and she doesn't force anything upon her. Sometimes seeing others doing it so confidently makes me wish Sophie was doing this. Catherine reasurres me every week and says she can see a difference and how it will slowly and naturally just come E.g Sophie is now blowing bubbles and is becoming much happier when more of her face gets wet. The support and encouragement she gives Sophie and all of the children in the lesson, as well as trying to help one to one is just amazing. Catherine makes every single lesson enjoyable and we love them! Sophie often speaks about Catherine at home when we are in the bath splashing! Thank you Catherine for being so amazing at what you do! Your passion shines through! Charlotte & Sophie

 

Catherine has helped Arthur settle in fantastically to his swim lessons. As a frightened little boy, he has grown in confidence and that is down to Catherine's wonderful, bubbly but calm personality which makes for lovely and fun lessons! Catherine is patient, friendly, warm and just a FANTASTIC teacher. Also so accommodating when family members have to step in every now and again, makes them feel as ease as well as Arthur. Me and Arthur adore our lessons and that is because of the environment Catherine creates. She's super with the children! Holly & Arthur 

 

Catherine has been great with Chester since he started swimming in June. She is so attentive, and personal with each baby, spends time encouraging each individual where needed and gives great coaching to us parents too. I have attended lots of catch up classes with different teachers and though each one is lovely in their own way, we definitely feel we gain the most from Catherine's lessons and am glad that we had her as a teacher for Chester.  Chester & Amy

 

Catherine is so great with the babies in the water. Nova absolutely loves swimming, and she has come on so much since starting. She has just moved up to splashers and is so excited to start.  Ellie & Nova-Rae

 

Catherine is always so welcoming and really takes the time with each child in class and offers extra support if needed. Amy & Freddie

 

I would like to nominate Catherine for her exceptional dedication and care as our swimming instructor. Catherine goes above and beyond every single week, taking the time to learn and remember every child’s name, making each one feel valued and seen. She has an incredible ability to understand each child’s confidence level in the water, adapting her approach to ensure they feel safe, comfortable, and encouraged to progress. Catherine doesn’t just teach swimming….she builds genuine connections. She always takes the time to chat with parents, keeping everyone informed and involved, and she remembers the little details about each family, which means so much. Her patience, kindness, and enthusiasm create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Catherine’s personal touch and commitment make swimming lessons something all the children look forward to every week, and we feel incredibly lucky to have her. Natash & Saraiyah

 

Seeing Arthur gain water confidence with Catherine has been such a joy. He absolutely loves to make her proud. She has helped him so much through her patience and kindness. I can’t believe how far he has come. She works hard every lesson and always has a smile on her face. She is the kindest, most enthusiastic and skilled teacher I have ever met- and I am a teacher! Even though she was already fabulous, she also keeps on developing her skills- I can’t remember what it was, but she recently achieved something!! She is a superstar and we love her lessons.  Jessica, Arthur & Joseph

 

Noah loves his swim lessons with Catherine, the structure of the lessons are always very good and Catherine is welcoming and positive. Ashley & Noah

 

Catherine is always full of energy and knows every child’s name along with their individual abilities. She differentiates effectively and ensures that all children are included and engaged.
Theo has made great progress in building his confidence in the water on his journey toward independent swimming. These sessions have become one of the highlights of our weekend and a special time we share together.
Catherine not only supports the children in what they need to do, but also models and guides me as a parent on how I can best support Theo in developing the techniques she teaches. The sessions are engaging and fast-paced, perfectly designed to keep toddlers entertained and focused. Lee & Theo

 

Catherine has made our lessons the highlight of our week this past year! She is a wonderful teacher and person, always has a smile on her face and is very welcoming. Catherine makes the lessons fun and is very encouraging throughout, giving clear instructions and explaining the reasons behind each one. Thank you Catherine for making our swimming journey such a lovely experience! Jennifer & Thomas

 

She is simply an amazing instructor. She is constantly encouraging the little ones to be more confident with being in the water while ensuring safety. Yeta & Ezekiel

 

We've been going to puddle ducks classes since Eleanor was 8 months old and have had a number of teachers in this time. Catherine is by far the best teacher we've had, she is a very good instructor she is clear when delivering instructions, kind and patient to the parents and babies alike. She goes the extra mile with the little bits, such as goodbye cards to the babies when they graduate, or sweets at Christmas. We're no longer in Catherines class as it is full, however when we managed to attend a courtesy class, Catherine always remembers us!  Eleanor & Joshua

Helen

Mia loves Helen because ‘she helps us and doesn’t let us sink’. Mia has had a long journey being comfortable in the water and Helen has spent a lot of time ensuring she has choices about what to do so that when she feels able to try something she trusts Helen enough to try it with her.  Jessica & Mia 

 

I have been so impressed with Helen and her ability to assess on the spot. She’s been very kind since we started and made Evie feel at ease . Thanks so much.  Charlotte & Evie

 

Arlo has been swimming with Helen since he was just 6 weeks old! He started as a floatie, went through splashers and is now in kickers. When he was tiny and in floaties, he really struggled with reflux and Helen always provided adaptations to keep Arlo happy and comfortable in class. More recently, he has gone through a phase of not wanting to get in the water. Helen has gone above and beyond with her support, reassuring me that I'm doing the right thing, and also contacting us via head office between sessions with extra things she has thought of to help Arlo fall back in love with the water. We're so grateful for Helen's support and Arlo has made progress with his water confidence again. Thank you so much to Helen for all of her support on our whole journey, we can't wait for Arlo to progress more with Helen's guidance. Bethany & Arlo

 

We just love Helen. She is so encouraging and kind. She is a fantsatic teacher and makes the lessons really fun and engaging.  Naila & Ezra

 

Helen continues to teach exceptionally well and adapt lessons to meet the specific needs of each child. She has also amazingly managed teaching on her own, with a new teacher, then back on her own and now back with Isobel. She has made this transition seemless for the kids and they continue to make progress! Evelyn loves her lesson and you make them so much fun! She has some hilarious ways to describe different strokes or movements that mean they remember what to do and not do! Thank you! Hannah & Evelyn

 

Helen is an incredible swimming teacher who makes every lesson engaging and fun. She has a wonderful ability to build children’s confidence in the water while developing their skills at the same time. Her enthusiasm and encouragement help each child reach their potential, and she creates such a positive and supportive atmosphere that my son looks forward to every single lesson. Liam, Harry & George

 

Immy has been away from Puddle Ducks since Easter 2025 due to a grommet removal which has lead to ongoing ear infections. Being deaf, Immy can find situations challenging and overwhelming at times, especially if they are new or she has been away for a while. Ever since Immy started having lessons with Helen as a Little Dipper, Helen has always gone above and beyond for Immy. We can’t thank her enough for what she does, how inclusive she makes the lessons for her, and for being such an amazing teacher to Immy. She has been back in the pool this past half term and has shown such resilience in the and Helen has been a big part of that. Thank you for taking the time to make Immy’s swimming experience amazing!  Jonny & Immy

 

She is very inclusive and she adapts her teaching to every child’s needs. She is very understanding and patient with the children to get the best out of them. Harper is doing brilliantly in these classes and she has progressed loads.  Georgia & Harper

Steph

Great teaching
Friendly
Remembers the child and their capabilities.  Sheryl & Max

 

Great teacher, keeps little ones interested and very attentive to little ones needs!
My little girl loves Stephs lessons and always asks if she is seeing Steph at swimming. Leigha & Nancy

 

Steph is an outstanding swimming teacher who goes above and beyond in every lesson. She creates a safe, fun, and supportive environment that helps swimmers of all ages build confidence and develop their skills. We have been in her lessons for four years. 

As a new dad, I came into these lessons feeling anxious about how to best support my daughter in the water. Steph worked hard to ease those anxieties. She is always patient, encouraging, and understanding. She took the time to guide me as well as my daughter, helping me grow in confidence and truly thrive in supporting her swimming journey.

It is clear that Steph’s passion, kindness, and dedication shine through in everything she does, making her truly deserving of recognition as a Star Swimming Teacher. Daniel & Else

Julia

Julia has really helped Rina come out of her shell and learn to enjoy being in the water, she pushes Rina just enough to show her she can do what is asked of her and she makes it fun to learn to swim and be safe in the water, we can’t thank her enough. Natalie & Rina

 

Julia has been amazing from the start. We have loved every single lesson the 4 years we’ve been apart of puddle ducks / swim academy. At times when Tahlia’s behaviour has been a challenge Julia has remained patient and gone out of her way to understand Tahlia and how to help. She’s a star teacher. Jade & Tahlia

 

Very supportive and helps. Improve confidence.  Katie & Oliver

 

Julia is an absolute superstar and a natural with the children. She shows genuine care and love towards them all. Every week my daughter progresses more and we are not allowed to leave without waving goodbye to Julia through the window. Her hand overs at the end of the session are always done with a smile on her face. The best bit though: my daughter loves her swimming lessons and asks me every day after school if it’s swimming today! Natalie & Ayda

 

So warm welcoming friendly and a great teacher !! Saira & Hawwah

 

Julia is the most caring and attentive teacher puddle ducks have! She goes above and beyond every lesson and even out of the lessons to ensure we are able to attend. We have changed location of our classes just to stay with Julia she makes the lessons so fun for both parent and baby. Chloe & Carson

 

Julia has been really welcoming since we started swimming! Always there if you need anything and providing amazing demonstrations throughout the class. Olivia & Reuben

 

Julia makes every lesson so much fun. You can tell she really loves the little ones, so patient and so energising! Perfect Saturday mornings for us - but Julia really is the reason why. Helen & Leo

 

Julia makes every lesson so much fun. You can tell she really loves the little ones, so patient and so energising! Perfect Saturday mornings for us - but Julia really is the reason why. Helen & Maxwell

 

Julia makes our swimming lessons so enjoyable. From the minute we started we felt safe and supported. She is fantastic with the kids and just really lovely. Our swimming is the highlight of our week thanks to Julia!  Beth & Summer

 

A few weeks ago Jake started dreading the swimming lessons after a couple of courtesy classes without Julia and at another venue 🙈 But little by little he enjoys them again. Julia is though very caring and supportive, firm enough that he tries everything even if he wasn’t too excited first. Today’s class was the absolute hit for him as he was the only swimmer and he smashed it. Thank you for your wonderful classes, Julia. We enjoy it every single time. ❤️  Jessica & Jake

Louise

Louise is a great teacher. Full of fun and giggles. She is so encouraging to nervous swimmers and makes a point of speaking to all swimmers individually during the free play at the end of the lesson. Maddie is now confident enough to fully submerge and loves jumping in. I’m sure this confidence stems from Louise’s gentle approach. Louise & Maddie

 

Louise has been Alfie teacher since he started in swim academy, he has improved so much with tine and dedication. She is always welcoming and takes the time in each lesson for each child if they need it. Amy & Alfie

 

Fab teacher really pushes my son that extra bit to achieve his goals wouldn't want him taught by anyone else but Louise.  Nicola & Zac

 

We started swimming lessons with Louise when Lachlan was around 8 weeks old, as a new mum I was very nervous and unsure if swimming was going to be for us especially with Lachlan being so little. From the very first session Louise, made it feel so comfortable, she reassured us and Lachlan instantly took a shine to her. Since it has been the one day of the week as a family we really love and it’s all down to how wonderful she is, she has such a gentle nurturing presence and takes you through each step and answers any questions you have! Lachlans family members come watch as everyone finds it great that he is swimming so little. It has been great to watch Lachlan develop and grow each week, and it’s a skill we are hoping to encourage until he is ready to change or tell us otherwise. We only wish he can always swim with Louise. She has made a hobby that was just a “give it a go” to something we have grown to really enjoy and get a lot from. I have learnt a lot from her sessions that I now even share with other people about babies and swimming. We all think Louise is fab! Maria & Lachlan

 

I would like to thank everyone for the kindness n time with Rosie and her anxiety, but Louise went above and beyond when Rosie first started as she really struggles with leaving me. I can't thank her enough for the time and patience she gave. Kerry & Rosie

 

Has really built confidence in swimming and child has progressed so much with Louise. We even had to move our lessons so we could stay with Louise.  Harkirat & Arjun

Rachel

Always smiling and engages with Oakley and all the children throughout the class. Made me feel calm and welcome when I came with my newborn as I was nervous when I first came as I didn’t know what I was doing.  Laura & Oakley

Rachel is great with the kids, they really like her, she knows them all well and her lessons are the best. We have had many Puddle Ducks teachers, and while they are all great, Rachel is the one I feel provides the most fun and engaging lessons.  John & Finley

 

Rachel has been brilliant teaching Eddison in floaties, she makes him laugh every week! We can’t wait for splashers.   Jessica & Eddison

Kim

Kim has a lovely approach with our little boy. Not only is she friendly, fun and warm, she also understands when he might be getting overstimulated or anxious and adapts her teaching to suit his needs. She always gives him choices with colours of woggles and rings and knows when to switch things up with games and songs if attention is waning. She even made sure she had toy cars for at the end of the session, which he loves! Thanks Kim, Joey loves coming to Puddle Ducks because of you! Vanessa & Joey

 

Kim made us feel very welcome at our first lesson! My boy is a big splasher and can be difficult, I was worried this would be a problem but Kim made me feel at ease that it was okay and even encouraged Ethan to just be himself, it's made me so much less anxious as a parent. She is also very confident in her lessons and gives clear instructions and advice, which in return makes me feel confident and trust her! Thankyou.  Jemma & Ethan

Helen & Isabel

I wanted to share how impressed I am with the swimming instructor Helen & isabel . They're so patient and encouraging, and my child has really gained confidence in the water. Natasha & Le'vanna