Star Teacher Award Spring/Summer 2025 - All nominations

Emma

Emma makes the lessons really easy to follow and fun! She also is very adapting to the mood of those taking. Jade B & Blake

 

Emma is amazing, Oliver loves doing lessons with her. He gets very shy and takes awhile to warm up to people but and he had really come a long way with her. She's patient, never pushes him too far. She's always really helpful if you need help getting out of the pool. I wouldn't go to anyone else. Charlotte S & Oliver

 

Emma is AMAZING. Lilly absolutely loves our swimming class and Emma is so great with all the kids. She makes the class so much fun. Sarah B & Lilly

 

We are nominating Emma as our star teacher, she is kind and patient with Joshua and Hope, takes time to provide them both with great feedback on how to progress in each area of their swimming techniques. Emma has a fun loving personality that engages the children, she is super at encouraging them to have a try at new activities, she promotes and loves to celebrate their wins with them, which makes them super happy.
This is evident especially if they have been trying really hard to master a new skill, for example Hope had been trying to complete a handstand on the pool floor for a while and Emma cheered her along all the way, once she nailed it, there was no stopping her. Hope now loves to help Emma by demonstrating her handstands in the pool for the class, while Emma is teaching poolside. Joshua confidence has grown with his stamina, as he had now reached the final level in Swim Academy we are looking forward to seeing where his future swimming journey will take him next. Louise M, Hope & Joshua

 

Emma is an excellent teacher, who always comes to class full of enthusiasm. She teaches in a fun and inclusive way, but also tries to personal her approach to each child. If your child is struggling that day or grumpy, no problem as Emma will do what she can to help make your child feel safe and happy. She has created a lovely class environment and we always look forward to her lessons. Bryony & Olivia G

 

Emma taught my 2 older children so when I found out I was pregnant again, I knew I wanted her to be Robin's swim teacher. She is so patient with him and adjusts so easily to the toddler tantrums. She makes learning to swim fun and is such a pleasure to be around. Shaunna J & Robin

Lovely teacher and really helped Leo become more confident in the water and helping him transition from
Puddle Ducks to swim academy and now he can’t wait to go to his swimming lessons! Vicki & Leo H

 

I don't think I can quite put into words the impact that Emma has had on Finley's Puddle ducks experience and my own. I didn't have a great previous experience with my first child swimming - which really knocked my confidence. My friend begged me to start lessons with her and promised that Emma was amazing. She was completely right. From my first lesson, Emma has been nothing but supportive. She's personable, friendly and caring- you can tell she loves what she does and has the wellbeing of the children (and us) at the heart of what she does. Emma's great sense of humour means that lessons are fun as well as informative and engaging - Fridays are our favourite day of the week all down to her. I'm really appreciative of Emma - puddle ducks just wouldn't be the same without her. Thank you Emma from Hannah & Finley 💜. Hannah & Finley B

 

I asked Michael his opinion and this is what he said, “because she teaches us a lot of important things and she makes me happy”.
I feel Emma should be chosen due to how encouraging she is to all the children she teaches, also how she takes the time to explain things to Michael in a way he would understand as sometimes he struggles to fully understand what is being asked of him. So thank you x Hannah & Michael G

 

I have been seeing Emma for quite a while now. I had Emma during my antenatal classes and also now with my daughter Daphne. She is an incredibly talented and very supportive of both of us in the pool. We always have an amazing time and I couldn’t ask for a better teacher to support Daphne. Thank you Emma for everything that you do. You are absolutely wonderful incredible and Daphne is becoming a confident little puddle duck because of you. Victoria & Daphne C

Steph

Rhys was so nervous around water and pools when I brought him to his first swimming session. He didn't like water in his face or splashing. Within a few weeks with Steph his confidence grew, he's become such a strong swimmer. He loves being in the water. She brings out the best in him and always shows him alternative ways to grow his confidence when he's nervous about doing something. Leanne & Rhys S

 

Steph is a great teacher and she is very good with kids. She taught my non-verbal son and he always enjoyed his class now she is my daughter's teacher. She celebrates every success and encourages the little ones, mine is very comfortable with her which is not is always the case with other people. So welcoming to parents as well and wouldn't change her. Rita S & Logan

 

Steph has been amazing and close to my son, helping right when and where he needs extra help. Lucas is more confident in the water since he started learning with Stephanie. I have seen her given extra support to a child who was scared of coming into the water and it was beautiful to watch a teacher caring so much.
She is making the lessons fun and also very professional . We respect and love her lessons very much. Would not change her for anything in the world. Raluca D & Lucas

 

Always patient and Ivy's favourite teacher ever! Gregory & Ivory S

 

I first met Steph when she was doing her training with Verity at Mizmerize in Wakefield with my first daughter Rosalie. She has now taught my youngest, Merridie, to swim. Her lessons are really great, her instructions are clear and she makes the lessons fun. She’s helped Merridie develop a great foundation to swimming and merridie has come on really fast! We’ve recently swapped to a different class on a sat with Catherine at aqua baths. Where Merridie’s done her 5M badge. But it’s Steph that has got her to that stage! We have come on holiday and both Rosalie and Merridie are having a great time swimming together in the pool, it’s nice to know they are both confident swimmers!
Thank you Steph, for everything. Natalie & Merridie E

 

Although Ebony isn’t even 2 yet, Steph has been absolutely amazing when it has come to getting her confidence up in the water. She does way more than I ever expected after such few lessons. Steph is always offering advice and telling us how to improve. Charlotte H & Ebony

 

Our son has swam with Steph since splashers, he recently went through a period of being really scared of the water, not wanting to jump in or go under. Steph was patient, kind and supported Thomas to work through his fear at his own pace, celebrating the small wins with him and us. She supported us as parents and explained how we could best support him to progress, he has since got over his fear, got his 5M and progressed to SA, this is all down to Steph and her support and patience.
She just cares, which as a parent means the world. Claire & Thomas B

Catherine

Catherine has been Archie's teacher since he was 11 weeks old. (He's now 17 months!) He's been through Floaties, Splashers, and now Kickers and he is absolutely thriving, thanks to the support and dedication of his wonderful teacher, Catherine. Catherine explains each activity thoroughly, and tells us the reasons behind the way we do things. She is always smiling, friendly and approachable and is a true credit to the Puddle Ducks team. Katie & Archie R

 

I would love to nominate Catherine, Albie’s baby swimming teacher, for being the very best Puddle Ducks teacher. From our very first class, Catherine has created a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment that has helped Albie feel safe and happy in the water. Her calm, gentle approach and clear love for babies make every session a joy. Catherine understands how to support little ones through each stage, whether it’s getting used to splashing or building confidence floating and kicking. She celebrates every milestone, no matter how small, and always takes the time to connect with each child and parent. Albie absolutely lights up when he sees her and has grown so much in confidence thanks to her guidance. Catherine is not only a fantastic teacher, but someone who truly cares. We feel so lucky to have her leading Albie’s swimming journey. Lauren H & Albie

 

We've been taking Pippa to classes with Catherine since she was at floaties.
Her confidence in water has improved so much and she loves her lessons.
Catherine is amazing with all of the children in the class. She is a great teacher.  Hannah & Mark H with Pippa

 

Catherine is always so friendly and lovely and makes our swimming lessons a joy to attend. Layla R & Maya

 

Catherine is amazing with all the kids in our Tuesday 10:30 class!
She knows them all so well and all their strengths! Mya has come on massively been the youngest to move up to dippers and that’s down to Catherine’s confidence in her in the water! On a side note, she speaks super loud and clear to us all which I haven’t seen other teachers do from catch up lessons etc…
Also Sally is amazing too so just want to get that in as well! They’re a fab team! Lauren P & Mya

 

She is so warm and caring in lessons. Arthur loves swimming and has gained so much confidence because of her. Her love and passion for her job is so clear from everything she does. It is a joy to be in the pool with her- we love his lessons nearly as much as he does. Thank you for everything! Jessica & Arthur R

 

Catherine is wonderful, lovely and so incredibly skilled at her job. It is a joy to be in the water with her- she is an absolute inspiration. It has been lovely to see Joseph’s confidence and love for the water grow as he has moved up through the groups with her. Jessica & Joseph R

 

Catherine was absolutely fabulous in introducing our little boy to his swimming journey at 7 weeks old!
Gene is confident in water and we are confident about him being safe in water all thanks to Catherine! Jenny & Gene I

 

Catherine had made us feel very welcome and makes every lesson fun and engaging. Arwen likes her very much and has settled in really well thanks for Catherine's efforts. Ian H & Arwen

 

She’s simply fantastic. Always has a smile on her face. Harry loves his time in the pool with Catherine. Tom & Harry A

 

Catherine is so friendly, amazing with the children and supportive to mums in the pool. She is enthusiastic and always happy to be around.
George has been swimming with Catherine since he was 8 weeks old and is now 22 months and his confidence in the pool is unbelievable, all thanks to Catherine! Sarah & George J

 

She is amazing! Taught Arthur since he was 8 weeks old! Supported me through surgery, I couldn’t ask for a better teacher, Arthur is always so smiley every time he sees Catherine and she is absolutely fabulous with him! Swimming is now his favourite thing to do because of Catherine!
She’s such a lovely and caring person and truly deserves it! Ruby B & Arthur

 

Fantastic lessons. Takes the time to understand each child’s needs and capabilities. Makes an effort with every child to encourage and praise them. Penelope has made so much progress recently and that is down to Catherine's ability and competence as a teacher. Alex G & Penelope

 

 Catherine has been an amazing teacher taking Penny from not being able to swim, to giving her confidence to swim 5 meters. Catherine is kind and patient and Penny has loved being in her classes. Charlotte B & Penny

 

Archie is now confident in the water, due to Catherine’s brilliant lesson plans, that are set to his pace. she encourages and motives him to do better, and because of this he loves his swimming lesson. Jody H & Archie

Edward

He is very friendly because whenever he gets annoyed for students not listening, he just doesn’t shout but repeat the instruction politely. He is a very patient swimming teacher. Yuko T & Him

Kim

Kim no longer teaches Otis (we are very sad about it!) but Kim is just so lovely, enthusiastic and supportive. Otis has come on so much while having lessons with her. Adam C & Otis

Kim was Rudy’s teacher at concord. Rudy is waiting to be assessed for Autism, ADHD and PDA. He’s not the easiest child to have in the class and definitely kept Kim on her toes. She was always so patient, accommodating and fantastic with Rudy. Having your SEN child accepted and included is everything. So thank you! Ashleigh S & Rudy

Josie

Absolutely amazing teacher & so professional, welcoming & a treasure to the Puddle Ducks. Couldn’t have hoped for a better teacher for Roman since he was 12 weeks old (now currently 9 months). Stella Smith & Roman

 

We come swimming to Ashgate Croft on a Friday, Hetty has additional needs and Josie from the start has been so understanding of Hetty's needs, she will always be patient with her and always has a smile on her face. Claire W & Henrietta

Helen

Helen is the only teacher who Arlo feels completely at ease with. She's so patient and understanding. Stacey Louise W & Arlo

 

Helen is fantastic and Reeve always has so much fun Stacey Louise W & Reeve

 

Very patient and clear with all instructions. Lauren P & Jacob

 

Helen is so patient and kind with the children. Mia really trusts her and feels comfortable with her which was a great help when she had to go in the pool alone. I think it was the relationship with Helen which made that possible. Mia is coming along heels and bounds now. Thank you Helen x Jessica W & Mia

 

For her patience with a very active and extremely chatty little girl :) Molly is now a total water lover and we have Helen and her commitment through Puddle Ducks and now Swim Academy to thank for that! Thank you Helen! Jenny R & Molly

 

Such a great teacher. Great with giving instruction on the technical aspects now that the class can all swim. Cecily's swimming improves continually and her confidence in the water is amazing, which is down to Helen. Lee A & Cecily

Rachel

Very enthusiastic and really engages in a lesson. Lauren P & Thomas

 

Rachel is a fantastic teacher. We previously went to a different swim school and honestly Penelope learnt more with Rachel in one day than she did at the previous places in weeks! Rachel is SO great with the babies and is very understanding of personal circumstances etc. Her daughter is also so friendly and welcoming. Rachel does a fantastic job and makes the class what it is 🏊‍♀️Thanks Rachel for being the BEST! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Elouise & Penelope H

Julia

Julia is so patient and kind and quite clearly loves working with the children. My little boy does not warm easily to adults and it's so lovely - and unusual - to see him grinning from ear to ear with Julia! Abi & Larry S

 

Julia instantly makes both our children feel safe and secure in the pool and the joy we feel when our children succeed is mirrored on Julia's face! She is so warming to the children but equally stops them from being dangerous or silly when needed. She has gained their trust instantly and this is so important.  Victoria & B

 

I am a busy full time working mum and I can without a doubt say that my time at puddle ducks every week is my favourite time of the entire week. Which is 100% because of Julia.
Barnaby started puddle ducks just before Christmas, having been swimming somewhere else and hating it. He screamed from the moment he saw the pool to the moment he got out. Since being with Julia he laughs, smiles and splashes and loves swimming. Even when he has a moment, Julia can always snap him out of it and he is laughing again.
My other son has a love hate relationship with swimming and I truly wish Julia had taught him, as I know this would not have been the case. I have taken both of them to a variety of swimming lessons and without a doubt, Julia’s are the best.
Thank you so much. Zoe & Barnaby T

 

Julia is absolutely amazing with all the children in her class. Carson lights up when he sees her and he loves to give her a cuddle. Carson has come a long way and is so confident in the water and that is all down to Julia. Chloe & Carson L

 

Julia is amazing with Harriet - she’s had a bit of a slow start with swimming and her confidence hasn’t been the best, but these last 4 months she’s come on leaps and bounds with the help and support from Julia. Harriet now continues to thrive and always wants to impress her, which makes a way more enjoyable learning experience. Charlotte H & Harriet

 

As a PSA I'm unable to swim with my youngest daughter. So my eldest daughter does her lessons. Julia has made Imogen and nylah feel so comfortable and happy in lessons. I sometimes catch a sneaky glimpse while working and both girls are always smiling and fully engaging in the lesson. It was daunting for Imogen to start a class with adults/parents but she loves it. Both girls are equally as happy when it's Wednesday Puddle Duck day! Nylah is gaining more and more skills and confidence each week, and so is Imogen! Thank you Julia. Suzanne, Imogen S & Nylah

 

We would like to nominate Julia for this award in recognition of her exceptional dedication and passion as a teacher. She brings incredible energy and enthusiasm to every class. Julia's primary focus is always on ensuring that every child enjoys and benefits from their lesson. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her, Julia goes above and beyond to create a positive, engaging environment for her students. Just as importantly, she maintains excellent communication with parents, always being approachable and supportive. Eleanor & Jasper B

 

Such a friendly helpful teacher, Julia is great with the little ones and you can clearly tell she loves teaching them and ensuring everyone learns water safety properly. My little one absolutely loves the classes.  Lauren & Archie J

 

I'd like to nominate Julia for star teacher. She has been brilliant in helping my daughter progress to the next level. Her patience and her ability to motivate Betsy has helped her gain the confidence to achieve her 25 metres, the last step needed for level 3. Julia has taken the time to keep me updated on Betsy's progress and what she needed to work on to get to the next level. A great teacher! Katie & Betsy W

 

Julia is the teacher who has taught my little girl the most (from being 10 weeks old) and she is the loveliest! So kind and gentle with little Nancy and giving me lots of confidence with Nancy in the water! Olivia H & Nancy

Hollie

Goes above and beyond to help the children in class, really understanding with the young ones! Lovely, kind and extremely helpful. Georgina H & Albie

 

Hollie is such a sweet and supportive teacher for our baby Aitana, she deserves this nomination. Diana M & Aitana

Paula

We’ve been going to puddle ducks for 4 years, every Tuesday with Paula. She has been the teacher for both my boys, Reuben and now Heath in little dippers. They both have had the best experience of puddle ducks. Singing 5 puddle ducks, wiggly woo, the sun has got his hat on, jelly on a plate which Heath now sings on repeat. My boys are both little loveable cheeky monkeys but Paula was and is so attentive, playful and caring towards them and I hope they both too put a smile on her face. We wouldn’t have had the head start to swimming without her over the years. Reuben’s now thriving in swim academy level 2 and still asks Heath to say hello to Paula on a Tuesday. She’s wonderful and my boys love swimming because of Paula. Hannah & Heath B

 

Paula ran my Aquanatal class and now takes my little boy for swimming. Her lessons are varied and she always takes time to explain everything clearly and demonstrate; especially to new puddle ducks! Olivia P & Freddie

 

Paula's humorous vibe always helps the lesson. Sandeep & Abigail R

 

We had a few 1-2-1 sessions with Paula before more kids joined the group and we were able to build a relationship with her from the beginning. Due to this she demonstrates a lot of the activities with Alexander, which makes him more confident in my arms. She is very friendly and down to earth. Always takes her time to ensure we feel safe doing the activities. She loves interacting with the babies and cheer them up if they get upset throughout the class. She watches out for all of them and jumps to help wiping their little faces in case they got sick. We are always looking forward to the next class with her. Emese F & Alexander

 

We cannot thank Paula enough for not only teaching Emma, but also allowing her to be herself and showing her independence in lessons. She encourages, praises and supports at exactly the right times. Always on hand if parents are needing a little extra help too. She is a joy to see on a Sunday morning and never without a smile on her face. Thank you Paula. Steph & Emma C

Louise

Louise is always patient and encouraging with Ferne. She shows that she believes in her and doesn't get frustrated no matter how many times she has to get Ferne's attention. Her progress and confidence in the water is down to Louise. She's the reason Ferne is so excited to go swimming! Kristen S & Ferne

Laila

Laila is super kind and has given me the confidence to swim unaided. From Ethan M

Verity & Abbie

My son has SEN and they are incredible with him. Let him join in leading the class as well as give him extra attention to get the best out of him. Can't thank them enough! Dominic P & Max

Steph & Louise

Louise was amazing with my boy in the first 3 weeks when he wouldn't even get in the pool. She talked to him and tried to get him to interact with the water without getting in. Since then his confidence has increased and Steph has been so good with him week on week and he has improved so much. They have both been great and I can't choose just 1. Michaela Poulton & Tobias