Star Teacher Award Nominations - Spring / Summer 2026

Catherine

Grace is a SEND child. Catherine has made every effort to make Grace's sessions enjoyable for her, she has also been very receptive when I've discussed Grace's condition and has provided adaptations where necessary. As a result Grace thoroughly enjoys her swimming lessons and looks forward to taking part. Thomas & Grace

 

Catherine is an exceptional teacher who has supported Albie from his very first lesson at just 12 weeks old through to currently at 18 months, showing unwavering dedication and care. She consistently adapts and tailors each session to suit his individual needs, ensuring he feels both supported and engaged while building his confidence in the water. Her patience and encouragement have been invaluable, especially during moments when Albie felt unsure or upset, gently motivating him to keep going and enjoy his swimming journey.
Beyond her teaching in the pool, Catherine goes above and beyond by taking time to connect with parents and carers poolside, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Her kindness, professionalism, and genuine passion make her truly deserving of this award. Lauren & Albie

 

She always makes the lesson fun and she’s always very approachable and friendly :) we love having our lessons with Catherine. Nina & Adelaide

 

Archie absolutely loves to attend his swimming lessons. He asks each week "Am I going to see Catherine?" When he knows it's time for swimming. Catherines teaching style is patient, welcoming, friendly and informative. Archie has developed so much since he started his lessons and we are so thankful to Catherine for her commitment to Puddle Ducks and how she engages with the children in her care. Katie & Archie

 

Catherine is amazing with nell and all the children and always pushes nell to do better resulting in her already moving up a class, nell loves her swimming lessons and her teacher. Michelle & Nell

 

Catherine is a wonderful teacher. Always smiley and full of enthusiasm and encouragement for Finley. She is patient and does push him to do anything he isn’t comfortable with. Absolutely lovely person and teacher. Emma & Finley

 

Catherine has been an exceptional swimming teacher for our son Theodore and truly deserves recognition. She is patient, warm and welcoming, and has a natural ability to put both parents and toddlers completely at ease in the water. She explains everything clearly and keeps parents involved, which has really built our confidence during lessons.

We always leave feeling proud of Theodore's achievements, reassured and excited for the next class. Catherine is a truly outstanding teacher and very deserving of Star Teacher award! Madlen & Theodore

 

Catherine is always energetic, bubbly and happy! She always remembers Lucas and asks after him. She is great at her role and we were sad to leave her class.  Charlotte & Lucas

 

Catherine has been an incredible swimming teacher for my two children, and we feel so lucky to have found her. She is always happy, cheerful, and brings such a positive energy to every lesson. Her knowledge and expertise shine through in everything she does, and she never gives less than 100%. What truly sets Catherine apart is how she goes above and beyond to get to know her swimmers and their families, creating a warm and supportive environment for everyone.
During a long period of “water wobbles,” Catherine showed endless patience, encouragement, and understanding, supporting both me and my eldest every step of the way. Thanks to her dedication, my child has transformed into the happiest, most confident little mermaid in the water. Catherine doesn’t just teach swimming—she builds confidence, trust, and a genuine love for being in the water. We couldn’t recommend her more highly.  Gemma, Riva & Sylvie

 

Catherine is incredible. Not only do I feel like she genuinely cares about my child, she manages to show genuine interest in our daily lives. Her swimming lessons flow very well along side personal care, even when we have been in a larger class. I find her engaging and supportive and is always there to provide guidance on anything. I don't know how she manages to fit all of that in half an hour! Laura & Sidney

 

Catherine is simply incredible! We’ve been attending puddle ducks for nearly 9 months and she makes every lesson so much fun! Theo loves swimming, and we love it too! I cannot praise Catherine enough! Ruby & Theo

 

Catherine makes us feel welcome every week that we attend swimming! It’s amazing seeing how much Reuben has grown in confidence thanks to Catherine. The lessons flow really smoothly, are fun and enjoyable! Thank you Catherine!! Olivia & Reuben

 

She connects with the children so well, and I feel she has really contributed to Lily's love of water. Laura & Lily

 

We initially had Catherine for a swimming lesson at a courtesy class where I asked which pool she normally teaches at. During the courtesy lesson my daughter Violet seemed so much more confident and engaged in Catherine's lessons. After this there was a space in one of Catherine's lessons and although it's a 30 minute drive away we decided it was for the best. Since then our daughter has come on leaps and bounds. She hated getting any water in her eyes and catherine has never pushed her but been extremely patient! Now she finds it hilarious if she gets her face wet. Catherine's is a fantastic teacher and knows the names of all her kids and makes a point of including every child in her lessons. She must be exhausted after a day of teaching because she is constantly switched on and so positive. We couldn't ask for a better teacher! Jacqueline & Violet

 

I would like to nominate Catherine because due to work commitments I frequently take up courtesy classes with Catherine and she is always so welcoming and makes us feel so welcome. She is also so happy and enthusiastic ALL THE TIME. She just makes every lesson such a happy place. I also really love how great she is with every child. She adapts and supports in lessons if Rory is ever disgruntled or unhappy and I have never left one of her lessons feeling like Rory hasn’t achieved something. She is just fabulous! Kirsty & Rory

Julia

For going above and beyond with Lottie.
From Lottie clinging to me and refusing to swim at all in our first trial session, Julia encouraged Lottie through Little Dippers in a matter of weeks and Lottie is now thriving in Dippers.
Thank you Julia for believing in Lottie and encouraging her to swim to her full potential! Lottie is now thoroughly enjoying Puddleducks Dippers and this is down to Julia! Thank you! Sarah & Lottie

 

Julia is so enthusiastic, engaging and encouraging. She brings patience and happiness to each session even if Owais isn’t playing ball. Her knowledge and experience is clear to see in how she approaches the children. Zana & Owais.

 

Julia has been wonderful in getting William happy to be back in the water. Her patience and tone with him have worked wonders - from crying the whole way through his first lesson he was then comfortable being held by her and thoroughly enjoyed his second lesson, it was unbelievable! Thank you Julia. Leigh & William

 

Julia has been Harris’ teacher since he started at around 8 weeks old. She has helped grow his confidence in the water and he loves swimming. She has really got to know Harris and knows his likes and dislikes. When I was going back to work she ensured we found a new session that fit round my schedule but kept continuity with the same teacher.
At the start of our swimming journey we were going with friends and she made sure we all were able to stick together as we moved from floaties to splashers.
It’s overall been a wonderful experience and I have recommended puddle ducks to various friends and family members because of the experience we have had! Charlotte & Harris

 

Julia has been absolutely instrumental in building our daughter’s confidence in swimming. She is so friendly, kind and nurturing towards our daughter and I know Martha would not be in the pool now if it wasn’t for Julia and her amazing teaching! Thank you so much for everything you are doing!!! Xx Ella, Alex & Martha

 

Julia has been an incredible teacher to Max from day one. He started swimming lessons with no confidence, not wanting to enter the pool - with Julia's support he now heads in with a smile on his face and has made so much progress! I would recommend Julia to absolutely anyone! Leah & Max

 

Julia is always kind and patient in her teaching showing lots of encouragement and fun in her lessons, my daughter loves swimming with Julia and has learnt so much. Megab & Amelia

 

Julia has been an absolute star with my daughter, who started swimming 8 months ago. Julia has been so kind and encouraging and has helped my daughter so she can believe in herself and be braver in the water. Natalie & Rina

 

Lessons with Julia are always amazing, she's so inclusive to every child, she ensures that each one gets a bit of personal attention during her lessons, her feedback is always constructive and really helpful. She has helped my little one with her confidence when she receives personal positive reinforcement during or after lessons.
We honestly couldn't have asked for a better swim teacher. Danielle & Athena

 

As a first-time dad, I felt nervous about how my son Daniel would react, especially when starting swimming lessons, and how I would cope in those early stages. Julia immediately put me at ease with her calm, reassuring manner and genuine warmth. She is fantastic with Daniel, patient, attentive, and always responsive to his needs in the water. What really stands out was how clearly she explains everything, talking through each step so I always understand what is happening and why. This makes a huge difference to my confidence as a new parent. Julia also shows great sensitivity, recognising both Daniels needs and the anxieties I can feel. She adapts naturally to Daniel’s cues while supporting and reassuring me throughout. Her ability to balance learning with kindness creates a truly positive experience, and I’m very grateful for her support as Daniels swimming teacher. Tom & Daniel

 

Julia has worked wonders with Billie helping build her confidence and we are finally getting her there 😊 Katie & Billie

 

Julia had helped Marcus progress so much and nurtures him in his own time.
From being terrified in his first lesson to loving jumping in now I can’t believe how confident he is.
Julia has helped me too where I have struggled to help Marcus and given me more confidence in the water with him.
Thank you Julia!  Charlie & Marcus

Julia is always so friendly, calm and supportive. Lessons run really smoothly and she has supported our son to grow in confidence and to enjoy being in the water. Could not ask for a better teacher! Will & Percy

 

Sean loves swimming lessons with Julia. He says she is kind and funny especially when “she goes under water and the ducks tickle our toes”. Two of his nursery friends now travel from Leeds to Huddersfield for lessons with Julia because Sean has got on so well and enjoys his lessons so much. I particularly value her patience, both with Sean and me! Thank you Julia, you really are our star teacher x Rosalyn & Sean

 

Louise

Louise is fabulous. She's taught Cassidy more in 6 months than she learnt at previous providers in two years! Emma & Cassidy

 

 Louise and Paula make it a friendly and fun session each week. I bring Levi on my own and they help to get Levi ready which helps so much. We look forward to coming each week. Sian & Levi.

 

We have had Louise for several courtesy classes and she always adapts and thinks quick if my little boy is getting g distracted and she makes it so fun for him and relates to him which also makes me feel at easy and she also reassures me if I'm concerned. 
She really does think outside the box but always achieves the goals. Nicola & Wren

 

Keira has come on so much since changing to Cedar Court. I know part of it is the pool - it's smaller so not as intimidating, and definitely warmer! However a lot of it is down to Louise. Keira even pretended to be her when we went during the school holidays.Carrie-Anne & Keira