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Pre-school swimming classes

Nemo Pre-school (3-4 years)

These pre-school swimming classes are REALLY exciting! Why? Because, it’s here that your little Nemo will start coming into the water by themselves. It’s a big step, but we know it’s an approach that works well. In these classes, you’ll find two super-friendly instructors in the water and a maximum of eight children in each group. We use lots of fun games designed to build confidence and to help your child start moving around the pool independently.

Find a pre-school swimming class

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38 months or less?

If your little Nemo isn't yet 38 months, our Nemo Toddlers classes may be a better fit. Find out more about them below

Nemo Toddlers

Already at school?

Children who are at school already (reception upwards) will join our Nemo Juniors classes

Nemo Juniors

Nemo Pre-school in action

"Bo loves his swimming lessons and they have brought his water confidence on leaps and bounds. The teachers are so fun & supportive and go out of their way to put the children at ease"

Find a pre-school swimming class

When & where are our pre-school swimming classes?

Nemo Pre-school classes are offered in the following areas:

Newcastle & North Tyneside

PaddlePod (Killingworth) - Monday, Thursday & Friday
PaddlePod (Shiremoor) - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
PaddlePod (Whitley Bay) - Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday

Find classes in Newcastle & North Tyneside

South Tyneside

Boldon Dive Centre - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Find classes in South Tyneside

Which Nemo Pre-school class should you pick?

Red (beginner) classes
This is where most Nemo Pre-school swimmers will start. In these classes, we support children who are transitioning from swimming with a grown-up to coming into the water on their own. We use lots of game-based activities to build their confidence and get them moving around the pool using a SwimFin.

Orange (advanced beginner) classes
These classes are for children who have swam previously and are confident moving through the water with a SwimFin or similar floatation aid (this may include children who have graduated from our Nemo Toddlers classes or who have moved from a different swim school).

Yellow (intermediate) classes
Swimmers in these classes should be able to swim short distances without any floatation aids. They should also be swimming with their faces in the water and with a nice, flat body position. Typically, these classes will be for children who have been attending classes for a couple of terms already. Please note that, although you will be able to see available spaces via our booking system, you will need to contact us to book into these classes.

What happens in a Nemo Pre-school class?

Our little Nemos love our pre-school swimming lessons... and so do their grown-ups! These classes see children start coming into the water without their grown-up for the first time. Each class has up to eight children and there are always two instructors in the water with them. We use exciting floatation aids, loads of games, and pools of fun activities to help children build confidence and skills in the water.

Benefits of pre-school swimming

Supports brain and emotional development

Promotes independence, listening and communication skills

Develops coordination and balance

Supports development of social skills

Builds confidence and discipline around the water

"I cannot believe the difference in Luke's swimming in just a few short months. From terrified of the water to a child who can't wait to jump in each week"

Pre-school swimming FAQs

My child hasn't swam before; will these pre-school swimming classes be suitable for them?

Yes! In fact, we welcomelots of children for their first swims in these pre-school swimming classes.

If they are new to swimming, we'd recommend one of our 'Red' pre-school swimming classes. These are perfect for beginners and offer a fun and supportive environment for children learning to swim.

If they are already confident in the water and are starting to take a few paddles on their own (albeit with the use of swimming aids), an 'Orange' class may be more suitable.

How do you support children in the water?

Will I need to be in the water with my child during their pre-school swimming lesson?

Is there somewhere I can watch?

What do I need to bring to my pre-school swimming lesson?

A swimming costume and towel for your little one - these are the only thing that you really need. If your child is reliably potty-trained then a normal swimming costume is fine. If they are still mastering this skill, we would ask that they wear a double nappy instead.

Although not essential, we do highly recommend goggles for our pre-school swimming lessons - they are really helpful when trying to encourage children to put their faces in the water.

When it comes to goggles, look for a pair with clear lenses and a split strap at the back. You can pick these up at many of our learn to swim venues.

My child is quite anxious and I am worried that they won't go in the water without me

It's normal for some children to be anxious, especially during their first pre-school swimming lessons. Our instructors are very used to working with children like this, and have some great tricks up their sleeves to help children settle quickly.

There are a few things that you can try to help calm any nerves. For example, you could bring your child to watch a lesson before they attend their first class. Let them see what happens and how much fun the other children are having. Talk to your child ahead of their lesson about what will happen, what their instructor is called, and where you will be sitting. Some grown-ups like to bring a favourite toy along as well - this toy can sit on the side of the pool to cheer your swimming on.

On the day of your lesson, take your child onto the poolside where they will be met by their instructor. Their instructor will take great care of them, and will encourage you to go to the viewing area. If your child is particularly anxious, they may ask you to stay by the side of the pool for a little bit.

It doesn't happen often, but if your child is struggling to settle after a few weeks, one of our coordinators may reach out to you to discuss some additional steps that we can try. Likewise, if you have any questions, we are always here to help.