Child Swimming lessons
Swimming is not only a valuable life skill, but it can also help your child stay fit and healthy. Swimming lessons are now taking place at Ravelin Sports Centre. Our Learn to Swim programme aims to provide high-quality swimming lessons for the Portsmouth community.
Whether you are looking for the best way to build your child's confidence in the water, or if they've never swum before, our University of Portsmouth Swim Academy instructors can help them reach their goals whilst having fun at the same time.
Who can sign up for swimming lessons?
Lessons will be available for children aged 4 and above, of varying abilities. The ratio of swimmers to teachers will be as low as 3:1 in beginner groups and up to a maximum of 8:1 in the more advanced groups. We also offer adult swimming lessons too.
The Programme
- The University of Portsmouth Swimming Academy currently delivers Stages 1 – 7 of the Swim England programme with a view to adding Stages 8 – 10 as the Academy grows.
- Each Stage of the programme has a list of outcomes that need to be completed in order to gain an award or to move to the next Stage.
- Pre-School lessons for children aged 3 - 4 are being explored and could potentially start in Autumn 2023.
Check out more information about what is involved in each of the stages in the Swim England programme.
Document
When does the swimming lesson programme run?
It is continuous for 50 weeks per year, with closures at Christmas for 2 weeks. Lessons will still take place on Bank Holidays.| Swimming lessons (child) | Ultimate member | Core/Super member | PAYG fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UOP Swim Academy lessons (30 minutes) | £29.25 per month | £32.50 per month | £32.50 per month | |
| Intensive swimming lessons (5 consecutive 30-minute sessions during school holidays) | £39.00 | £39.00 | £39.00 | |
What parents say about our Swimming Lessons:
“The friendly staff who know our children and all seem positive and enthusiastic. That staff are not afraid to push children and make sure they do their best (not just in technique but in things like listening to instructions, following simple rules in games etc)”
“My children look happy and feel safe, and my little one who was not confident in previous lessons at another swimming pool is making great progress and has lots more confidence.”
“Staff are amazing and patient. You can see they really care about the children and will bend over backwards to support the children who are struggling due to confidence or SEN needs”
“Madeleine and her team are so helpful. It's brilliant having a named person that you are dealing with, and the whole team show a genuine commitment to everyone who attends. The facilities are also excellent, convenient parking, great space.”
Frequently asked questions
Parents/guardians/spectators can view lessons from designated areas and should not enter poolside at any time.
Photography and videoing of swimming lessons within Ravelin Sports Centre is strictly prohibited.
To ensure safety and to keep belongings secure, nothing should be taken poolside.
Swimmers ability and progression will vary for individual swimmers. We strive for consistency within our lesson programme to the set standards within Swim England National Swim programme. Progressing swimmers before the are ready will not benefit swimmers and may affect their confidence and safety, along with the effective delivery of lessons.
Parents/guardians must notify the team of any issues that may affect the swimmer’s ability in water including health or learning behaviours.
Parents/guardians are responsible for the supervision of children in all areas of the building prior to, and after the swimming lesson.
Parents/guardians are responsible for the supervision of children in all areas of the building prior to, and after the swimming lesson.
Swimmers should wear appropriate swimwear for their lessons. Ideally, boys should wear trunks and girls a one-piece swim costume. Long hair should be tied back and the swim academy swim hats should be worn. No jewellery should be worn during lessons.
The governing body for swimming lessons, Swim England, recommends that children within our programme are examined continuously.
The programme offers parents a greater input as to when their child’s lesson will take place.
The booking system removes the need to queue at reception for re-enrolment, children will move stages when they reach their attainment level throughout the course, rather than waiting until the end of each term.
The programme offers parents a greater input as to when their child’s lesson will take place.
The booking system removes the need to queue at reception for re-enrolment, children will move stages when they reach their attainment level throughout the course, rather than waiting until the end of each term.
Swimmers must change in the group rooms and not in other areas of the sports centre, including poolside or café areas.
Swimmers under the age of 8 may use either gender changing rooms when accompanied by a parent/guardian. Swimmers aged 8 and above must use the correct gender changing rooms. Lockers are provided for swimmers’ belongings. Clothes, bags and other similar items should not be left unattended in the changing rooms.
Swimmers under the age of 8 may use either gender changing rooms when accompanied by a parent/guardian. Swimmers aged 8 and above must use the correct gender changing rooms. Lockers are provided for swimmers’ belongings. Clothes, bags and other similar items should not be left unattended in the changing rooms.
Register your interest in child swimming lessons
For guidance or assistance in filling out the form below, please contact swim-lessons@port.ac.uk
If you have any more queries about swimming lessons, you can talk to a member of our team at the reception of Ravelin Sports Centre (once we are open, soon). Alternatively, you can email us: swim-lessons@port.ac.uk. Please do not disturb the swimming instructors at any time.