Parent & Baby Programme

• STA Baby and Pre-School Qualified Teachers
• 0 months old to 2.5 years
• Submersion included on the syllabus
• Correct entry and holds
• STA Awards
• Small group sizes
• Lovely warm water

Timetable

Friday daytime

The baby and pre school Programme

The philosophy

Over recent years extensive studies of baby and pre school children in the aquatic environment have raised awareness of the benefits of starting pool sessions early.  Research also indicates how babies reflexes play an important role.  Here at Liverpool Swimming Academy we gathered the findings of these studies to form the template of our Baby and Pre School and Parent/Carer Programme.

Reflexes

All babies are born with reflexes these primitive movements are essential for babies development and several reflexes will help babies with motion and movements in the water for example;

Amphibian – this reflex aids legs, arms and torso movements in the water.

Holding breath – also known as the diving response gives a baby the ability to hold breath for several seconds when submerged under water.

Gag reflex – Assists baby by preventing  swallowed water from entering the trachea.

“A swimming pool environment that provides opportunities for babies to engage natural reflexes will help with a smooth transition into the mastering of controlled voluntary movements.”

Songs and games

Learning through play is the term used to describe babies and toddlers use of all senses to develop and grow.

Songs provide a great way to approach the first stages of play.  Our baby and pre school – parent/carer syllabus uses songs and play as the underpinning methodology to transport a message (skill) from adult to baby.  Using this approach a parent/carer is demonstrating a plethora of skills to the baby in a very relaxed manner and is cementing the special bond which exists between parent/carer and baby.

Entry and holding the Baby

We want baby to feel secure in the water, but we also want baby to be able to move freely and happily.  To create this comfortable medium for baby we will guide and assist the parent/carer with the correct method of performing holds in the aquatic environment.  As this can sometimes be difficult to master only one or two holds will be introduced during the initial lessons and these will be repeated and practiced until the parent/carer feels comfortable holding baby in the water.

STA Awards

Our preferred choice of awards is The International Learn to Swim Programme (ILSP) system.  It is a flexible but progressive series of awards beginning with Starfish Series and moving through to STAnley Series.  Each pair of baby/toddler and mother/carer will work through the series of awards track and celebrate progression.

Group sessions – £14.75 per lesson – (Paid in advance of a 10 week cycle)

We hope that you will join us for our parent & baby programme. If you are interested in finding out more information or would like a place reserving, please fill in our contact form below, and we will be happy to answer any questions.

Related Link – STA Awards https://www.sta.co.uk/international-learn-to-swim-programme/awards/