Independent Children's Swimming Lessons | Turtle Tots UK Skip to main content

It’s time to shine! The waves to independence starts now.

Your child has completed the Turtle Tots preschool swimming programme, their confidence in the water is growing, and their swimming techniques are going from strength to strength. So, what happens next we hear you ask!

Turtle Tots independent children’s swimming lessons give your child the chance to continue developing their skills and have lots of fun alongside their friends under the leadership of our world-class swimming teachers. Now is the time for parents to take a small step back to the poolside and let their child shine as they build on the foundations that they have acquired during their baby, toddler and preschool lessons.

During these lessons, your child will progress their front and back strokes, as well as working on streamlining, rotation, diving, floating and treading water. A strong focus on water safety will remain at every stage as your child grows into a happy and confident independent swimmer.

Independent children’s swimming lessons are available in selected locations across the UK and are most suitable for children who have completed the Turtle Tots preschool programme. However, children who have not previously swam with Turtle Tots may be able to join in lessons after a short assessment of their skill level.

Find your nearest Turtle Tots Independent Children's Swimming Lessons

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What will my child learn in these lessons?

    Turtle Tots follows the STA International Learn to Swim Programme (ILSP). Your child will continue to develop their swimming skills in a fun and child-centred way. We recognise that every child will learn and progress at their own pace. At this stage there is a focus on refinement of skills and stroke development – front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke as well as a continued focus on water safety.

    What should my child wear/bring?

    All they need is their swimming costume, goggles and a towel. All equipment will be provided by your turtle tots teacher. If your child is nervous, they are welcome to bring along a toy (that is suitable to get wet) that they can bring into the pool with them.

    Do I need to get in the pool with my child?

    No. These classes are for children who are confident enough and have developed their skills sufficiently to be in the water without an adult. However, we understand that starting a new class can be daunting for little ones so if your child needed you to get in with them to help them settle in for the first session or two then we can accommodate that

    Reviews

    • My daughter really enjoyed the learn to swim programme with Turtle Tots. Good quality teaching and nice small group.

    • I have been taking my son to swimming lessons since he was 3 months old and he’s now 2 years old. He has gained so much confidence in the water and he loves the sense of fun his lessons include. Highly recommended.

    • Have been loving bringing my son to TT classes since he was about 4 months old. Such a great class to look forward to and he’s so confident in water now.

    • Have been loving bringing my son to TT classes since he was about 4 months old. Such a great class to look forward to and he’s so confident in water now.

    • My child has been attending Turtle Tots classes since she was 8 months old and is now 4. The activities and the relationship she has developed with her teacher, has enabled her to develop a love of swimming. The swimming skills are introduced at a pace that is really child focussed and each child’s needs and abilities are considered throughout the group lessons.

    • I take my granddaughter to the lessons at times. I like the small classes, Laura is really patient with the kids and knows all their names. Classes are fun and aimed at their ages and abilities.

    • Very lovely team, no pressure from the staff if my child was having an off day. Gentle encouragement and they made the lessons fun and engaging!

    • These swimming lessons are the best time of our week. They are so fun, inclusive and non judgemental. Brilliant from start to finish

    • Our little one has been swimming with Turtle Tots since she was 5 months old and absolutely loves it! Fay is amazing and we wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. We cannot recommend enough

    • Our little one has been swimming with Turtle Tots since she was 5 months old and absolutely loves it! Fay is amazing and we wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. We cannot recommend enough

    • My son loves his class. He has been with turtle tots since he was 3 months old. Now at just over 2 he can swim a short distance using a noodle without my support. Amazing class and Julie is amazing.

    • My gtandson started lessons with Ailsa at Buchanan Arms about 6 months ago in a class of four other children of similar age. We thought that he would be nervous to be in the pool without a one to one carer but he took to the class situation straight away and loves his Monday lessons. Ailsa is very parient and gtrat at giving children confidence in the water