Swimkidz are proud to say that they have successfully taught thousands of babies & children to swim and experience the joys of water!
Our classes differ from traditional swimming lessons in terms of content, delivery, and the venues we use. We only use warm water pools and babies can join us from birth in our hydro pools. Not only do we emphasise on the fun element we have ensured that every course is carefully structured, with progressive lesson plans for each week so skills are consolidated and built upon.
Our amazing fully qualified world class trained instructors work hard to ensure every moment spent in your lessons is fun filled and memorable. We carefully explain exactly what we are doing and why with clear demonstrations, this is because in effect we are teaching you to teach your little one. All our lessons are baby led.
Your baby will feel at ease swimming both on the surface and below the water sensing a calm and holistic atmosphere as they swim unrestricted in their wonderful watery world. There are so many health benefits to early swimming including motor and neurological development. Research has suggested that babies who participate in swimming are often more alert for their age and have better eating and sleeping patterns. So not only are you having an amazing time in the pool you are aiding your child’s future development.
Once your child has completed our baby programme, they can progress into our amazing toddler lessons. If you have not participated in swimming before with your little one you will still be able to join us. Classes are structured on ability as well as age taking into consideration each individual child’s needs.
These levels will further develop their core aquatic skills, essential to learning to swim independently. Every song and activity will lead to more independence, encourage increased arm, and leg movements in the water, now you will see them achieve short unaided swims. Activities are progressive and with your help they will learn through guided play and problem solving to initiate new tasks and be more creative. Our unique and innovative practices engage your toddler’s imagination and allow them to explore new experiences. From blowing bubbles rhythmically to practices that lead to ‘roll to breathe’ (turning the head to take a breath), these are essential skills in learning front crawl.
Children can swim independently without a parent in the pool around their fourth birthday. We realise that each child will be at distinct stages of their swimming journey so if your child has no swimming experience, we may recommend a transitional class to prepare them for the next step.
The criteria for swimming without a parent are that your child is happy and content in the water without you and can swim on a noodle without being held for support on both their front and back.
Working toward the national and international plan for teaching swimming our structured programme is about developing confident and competent swimmers in a fun and challenging way.
Our framework sets out 8 distinct stages- with clear targets for the swimmers to achieve with a badge and certificate to award them as they move onto the next stage. There are steppingstones to our Swimming Pathway which allows for children to achieve Distance and Water Skills badges, ideal for those who are taking a little longer to achieve a more challenging task.
Every stage we teach safe entries and exits to the pool, floatation, balance, rotation, orientation, aquatic breathing, streamlining, water safety, travel, and coordination. All of these are essential skills to improving swimming strokes.
We have some digital resources available via the link below:
At Swimkidz, we offer fun, engaging and progressive swimming lessons for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and children at Brockhurst & Marlston House School, a beautiful private school in Hermitage, near Thatcham and Newbury.
Welcoming babies from 6 months old right through to advanced and pre-competitive swimmers, our structured swimming programmes support children at every stage of their swimming journey.
Our baby and toddler lessons focus on building water confidence, developing natural movement, coordination and independence, while creating wonderful bonding opportunities between parents and children.
For older children, our Sharky swimming programme develops confident, capable and independent swimmers, from their very first strokes through to advanced swimming techniques.
Our lessons cover:
- Water confidence, floating and balance
- Independent swimming and breathing techniques
- Front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly
- Stroke technique, stamina and endurance
- Water safety and personal survival skills
- Diving, turns and pre-competitive swimming skills
Our friendly, qualified teachers create a supportive and encouraging environment, helping every child progress at their own pace.
Children work towards Swimkidz awards, distance badges and certificates, celebrating their achievements throughout their swimming journey.
Brockhurst offers fantastic facilities, including spacious changing areas, ample on-site parking and a brilliant pool viewing area where parents can comfortably watch their children's lessons.
Whether you're introducing your baby to the water or supporting your child's journey towards competitive swimming, we'd love to welcome you to Swimkidz at Brockhurst!
Wednesdays at 16:15
Wednesdays at 16:45
Wednesdays at 17:15
Wednesdays at 17:45
Fridays at 16:15
Fridays at 16:45
Fridays at 17:15
Fridays at 17:45
Saturdays at 13:00
Saturdays at 13:30
Saturdays at 14:00
Saturdays at 14:30
Saturdays at 12:30
Saturdays at 12:00
Sundays at 09:00
Sundays at 09:30
Sundays at 10:00
Sundays at 10:30
Sundays at 11:00
Sundays at 11:30
Sundays at 12:00
Sundays at 12:30
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday for children independent lessons age 4+ and Saturday & Sunday for babies, toddlers and preschoolers
Newborn to Any age
we run a ten week term which is one, 30 minute lesson a week for 10 weeks term time only and its £170
Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools
Marlston Road
Hermitage
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 9UL
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Meet Charlotte Howells
Hi! my name is Charlotte. I have been working with Swimkidz since I was 14 years old as a pool helper and as soon as I was able, I took my first swimming teacher qualification at 14. Then by 18 years old I was qualified in everything from babies to pre competition level swimming.
I run Swimkidz Berkshire alongside my husband, Bradley who loves all things accounts, HR and more which is great because it leaves me all the room to do the fun things like talk to customers and teach! We are a real dream team.
Not only am I an ex competitive swimmer, I'm the daughter of an Olympic swimming coach and I'm also a mum to a little boy called Tommy who is also a great lover of water.
I took on the Berkshire franchise of Swimkidz at the age of 22 after 8 years of dedicating my career to Swimkidz this was the last thing I could do to dive right into the deep end and I've not looked back since.
My favourite thing in the world is to teach babies, toddlers and children how to swim, seeing their confidence grow, their skills develop and friendships being made is the most rewarding experience. I'm so proud to have helped thousands of families learn to swim and love the water together.
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