So BIG FISH little fish .... bringing your little one to the pool for the first time....

Here at HALF Fish HQ we believe that every experience you have with your special little one should be relaxed and enjoyable, we understand that Covid has put paid to many sessions that new mums would have experienced normally and so our new session BIG FISH little fish aims to put that right with the help of the water and our fintastic instructors.

The sessions are based on playgroup principles, where the teacher has chosen equipment and resources to help you enjoy the water, these sessions are about discovering the aquatic environment with your little one, the teacher will help you with holds and supports, how to encourage confidence in your baby's exploration of the pool, and also for you to spend time together, but it isn't an actual "baby swimming lesson" as we have found that babies can't actually swim .......

Our sessions run for 45 minutes (you can come along beach ready so you can get straight into the water) and then you can choose when to climb out and get dressed ... use the changing rooms so it makes it easy for you - there are lots of changing beds and playpens.

Once you are in the pool, the session may follow a theme - Easter, dinosaurs, summer, the beach or it may have a selection of equipment that develops movement or climbing or balance - we follow the EYFS ethos and are also investing in our staff through Aquasensory (you may see some of our parent posts on our facebook page that explain why we do certain things, but also to help you support your little fish on their swimming journey).

The main thing is that our sessions are calm and fun .... when we are allowed we will sing and as your little fish grown more confident we will extend their skills, but be assured we won't push them too far too fast .... we believe in listening to your child, and working with them ..... our older little fishes have taught us this .... and they have developed a real affinity to the pool. And I should know my own little fish (her name even means little fish) is now one of our student teachers, and the captain of our Rookie Team, and we did this .... play, explore, have fun and then swim ..... when she was ready!

As part of our swim programme we will also include you in our special events, "spooky swims" and "Santa swims" where everyone gets a medal ..... we are HALF Fish so this includes even the youngest of our swimmers.

So what are you waiting for .... come on down the water's lovely and give your little fish the best swimming start you can!