Welcome to Edge Swim School where we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality swimming tuition.
Our teachers are all trained to the standards within the awarding body of Swim England, combined with our own professional development programme so to ensure teachers are delivering the most up to date techniques for stroke development, and high standards are being maintained.
Swimming is a great activity, as it is a skill that will stay with your child for life, as well as being a fun fitness hobby. What’s more, it can help to improve your child’s strength, flexibility and increase their confidence. We believe swimming lessons should always be fun whilst progressive, allowing each individual swimmer the opportunity to reach their full potential whilst enjoying the water safely.
What to expect from our swimming lessons
Edge swim school progress swimmers by their ability and not their age. Our classes are kept small with the teacher being supported by a water helper (where applicable), and it is hoped that you should see progression at the end of each term. It cannot be guaranteed that your child will learn to swim in a certain number of lessons as it must be understood that every child is different, and sometimes progression may take slightly longer.
What should my child wear for their swimming lessons
Children should wear a swimming costume or fitted, above the knee trunks and goggles if they use them.
Please note that if you are swimming at All Hallows that regardless of gender all children must wear a swimming hat, otherwise you not be allowed to enter the water.
In regards to children that are under the age of 4 years of age, or are not completely potty trained must wear a disposable/reusable swimming nappy, with a specialist neoprene swimming nappy over the top. You can buy neoprene nappies from the following website – click here
The nappy should be quite difficult to get on and fit snugly around the legs and waist. They should not be so tight that are leaving red marks on the legs.
The disposable or reusable nappy underneath should be COMPLETELY hidden. If this is peeping out the top of the outer nappy, it is rendered useless should there be poop! If you are struggling to pull the neoprene nappy over the top of the under nappy you may need to pull the nappy up a little at the legs. Or buy a bigger size.
Swimming hats (compulsory)
If you are swimming at All Hallows, swim hats must be worn for all lessons (irrespective of gender/hair length etc), otherwise you not be allowed to enter the water. Fabric hats can be purchased directly from us at a cost of £6.50 each.
Goggles
Goggles are not essential for beginners. We encourage all beginners to practice getting their faces wet without using goggles initially. Once swimmers are swimming without aids and are learning aquatic breathing they will need to have goggles in order to see underwater effectively.
Term time swim course dates
Our lessons are held over three terms (Summer, Autumn and Spring) and run for a period of 12 – 14 weeks (in addition to our intensive holiday swim courses), and will not include the school half term breaks. Term dates are available on the website and in your confirmation email.
Can you watch the lessons?
All parents are able to sit on the poolside and watch their children swim, but outside footwear must be removed before entering. You are reminded that you are responsible for the behaviour of your child when they are not under the guidance of the swimming teacher. Parents and children with time to spare are welcome to sit quietly on poolside. No children should be allowed to run, wander or play on the poolside while waiting. Also, we do ask that you refrain from interrupting the lesson as this can make the child unsettled, and they can lose their concentration. Parents are also reminded that the taking of photos and video recording are not permitted due to child protection guidelines.
Prior to every swimming lesson
All parents are asked to ensure that they arrive at the lessons on time. Also, children must shower and go to the toilet before they enter the water as this helps to keep the pool clean and maximises their learning time.
Please ensure that you do not enter the poolside prior to the arrival of the teaching team;
- Tuesday at 4.50pm
- Wednesdays at 4.50pm
- Thursdays at 4.50pm
- Friday at 4.50pm
- Saturdays 9.50am
- Holiday intensive courses at 8.45am
Changing Facilities and Procedures
In the interest of safety and comfort of all our swimmers and in accordance with the Swim England safeguarding policy, we ask that all adults only access their gender appropriate changing room. Children of 8 years of age and above are also required to change in the gender correct changing room
To summarize: I.E Dads – please only ever access/use the male changing rooms, irrespective of the gender of your child. Mums – please only ever access/use the female changing rooms, irrespective of the gender of your child.
If your child is over 8 and of the opposite gender, they are asked to change on their own.
We kindly ask that any parents/guardians whose child is using the changing room without them present, be asked to use them responsibly and remind them that bullying / antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.
The changing area and showers are not to be used as a play area and any other users of the facility MUST be treated with kindness and respect.
Using the toilets to change in
Please ensure that swimmers are not using the toilet cubicle as a changing room.
There is only one toilet in each changing room so it is really important that these are kept clear for those who need to use the toilet, rather than to change in, even at quiet times.
Should any swimmers feel uncomfortable changing in the rooms provided, we recommend using a large changing towel / poncho.
Or they can also use something like a dry robe or onesie and then changing at home.
Outdoor shoe policy
Outdoor shoes must be removed before entering the changing rooms, or the blue overshoe covers are worn before you enter the changing.
This just ensures that the transfer of mud etc from outside is restricted and keeps the changing room floor clean for swimmers and their families. Once removed, shoes can either be left outside in the reception area or taken into the changing rooms with you.
Blue shoe covers are available if you would prefer to keep your shoes on. Please just pop these on before entering the changing rooms. If possible, please leave these in the bin provided after use so that they can be recycled.
Award Scheme
Edge swim school follows the Swim England national teaching plan framework and will progress through the award scheme. These are only awarded when the skills are obtained correctly, and may not necessarily mean they move up each term. Badges and certificates are free as part of your termly fees.
Badges and certificates are available during the intensive swim courses but please notes that these are at a cost.
All details of our assessment and awards can be found on the following page – click here
Priority booking (Re-booking)
As an existing member, your swim place(s) will automatically roll over into the new term. For anyone wishing to cancel their place(s) for the next term then you will need to let us know by the specific date that is email out to you. To secure your place for the next term a non-refundable deposit of £35.00 is required, or, full payment can be made straightway for the swim course.
Your deposit payments are due by a specific date emailed out, and if not received by this date, then your places will be automatically cancelled and reallocated. Bookings will still be taken after this date, but please be aware that we might not be able to offer your first choice of time/day, or you may lose your place completely.
Once you have confirmed that you wish to continue we will email a booking confirmation/payment invoice of the place offered.
Changing your swimming class day, time or venue
If you need to change your swimming class time, day or venue for the new following term please email us with as much notice as possible. We will endeavour to find a suitable space for you but cannot guarantee movement during the term or at the end of the term.
Progressing to the next swimming class/stage
We constantly review groups and our swimmers throughout the term, and generally progress together as a group. The intention of any group change is to make sure that our swimmers are getting the most out of their lessons and supported in a group that fits with their stage/confidence etc.
All children learn and progress at different times even when in the same group and it’s normal to have mixed certificates achieved. Groups often have mixed abilities and might not necessarily be awarded the same certificate/badge.
Special Requirements (Medical Conditions, Learning Difficulties or SEN Diagnosis/assessments taking place)
Every child has access to the same opportunities, although some children may have specific medical, physical or behavioural requirements that need to be taken into account prior to participating in activities. The needs of each child vary, so decisions on how best to include children into our programme, are made on a case-by-case basis. We request that parents of children with specific needs contact us to discuss how we can best accommodate their child, and consider whether any special arrangements need to be made. We may need to assess an individual’s need and find the most appropriate means of participation. Please note we cannot provide for children requiring personal care, including toileting.
Directions to the pool when arriving at All Hallows Catholic School (Weybourne Rd, Farnham, GU9 9HF)
When approaching the school, please use the entrance to the far right-hand side of the school building, and follow the road down. As you follow the road down into the car park you will see a set of double doors on your left hand side and that is the entrance to the pool. On the first of each term/course, a member of the Edge Swim team will be available on the poolside to assist you.
We do advise that you arrive early on the first session, so as to allow ample time to familiarise yourself with the pool facility.
Please note that there is no smoking or vaping permitted while on the school site
Directions to the pool when arriving at Lord Wandsworth College
When approaching the school, please enter the College via the main gate next to the Four Horseshoes pub (RG29 1TA – note that Sat Navs can take you to other entrances which access may be barred). Drive up close to the barrier beyond the main gate and it will open. Head straight up the driveway, then follow the road round the two bends (right then left) and the main car park is then straight ahead of you. From there you will see a number of main building, and the entrance to the pool will be directly ahead of you where you will see the Edge Sports and Activities flags, and a member of the Edge Swim team.
We do advise that you arrive early on the first session, so as to allow ample time to familiarise yourself with the pool facility.
Please note that there is no smoking or vaping permitted while on the school site.