Baby and Children Swimming Lessons

They're in safe hands with us

Swimming is an essential life skill. From becoming comfortable in the water to swimming independently, our baby, pre-school and children’s lessons support safe, structured learning.

Following the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework, our qualified instructors teach children to develop strong technique and essential water safety awareness as they progress on their swimming journey.

Why choose Nuffield Health for swimming lessons?

*Membership-free swimming lessons available at selected gyms.

Swimming lessons for babies and toddlers

Our swimming lessons are designed to help your child build water confidence, learn essential skills, and progress safely through their swimming journey. With support from our Swim England‑qualified instructors, your child can develop at their own pace in a fun and encouraging environment.

Lessons are available for children aged 0–4 at selected Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Clubs.

Adult and child swimming lessons

In these lessons, you’ll be in the pool with your child as they become familiar with the water, grow in confidence, and learn key early swimming skills.

Ages: 0–3 years
Class structure: Age-based groups (subject to location)

• Builds early water confidence and safety awareness
• Follows the Discovery Duckling Awards framework
• Prepares your child for independent pre-school swimming lessons.

Find out what your child will learn in these lessons

Pre-school swimming lessons

Our pre-school lessons support your child as they begin to swim independently in the water, without an adult in the pool. 

Our qualified instructors use equipment to guide your child as their learn how to swim and move safely and independently in the pool.

Ages: 3–4 years
Class structure: Pre-school 1 and Pre-school 2 groups

• Develops your child's foundation swimming and water safety skills.
• Follows the Duckling Awards framework
• Supports your child as they move from Pre-school 1 to Pre-school 2 and their confidence and ability grows.

Learn how Pre-school lessons prepare your child for Stage 1

Swimming lessons for children

Our children’s swimming lessons support swimmers aged 4+ as they continue learning independently in the water, following the nationally recognised Swim England Learn to Swim Programme.

Ages: 4+ years
Class structure: Swim England Learn to Swim Stages 1–7

• Your child will develop essential swimming techniques and water safety skills in a supportive environment.
• Each stage offers a clear, step-by-step pathway so your child can progress at their own pace.

When booking online, select the appropriate stage (e.g. Stage 1 or Stage 2) under Children’s Swimming Lessons. If you're unsure which stage is right for your child, contact our swim experts for guidance.

Learn more about stages 1-7

1-to-1 swimming lessons for children

We also offer private swimming lessons for children.

These sessions give your child extra support from our instructors, helping them build confidence and develop their skills at a pace that suits them.

Check availability at your local centre

If you have any questions, check our FAQs, visit your local gym or use the enquiry form below.

Baby and children swimming lessons FAQs

• How our lesson stages support your child’s progress?
  • Adult and Child Lessons

    Our Adult and Child lessons are the perfect way for babies and toddlers to start learning in the water, with you right there beside them. Each session follows the Swim England Discovery Duckling Awards, introducing important water safety skills through fun, supported activities.

    Your child will gradually build:

    • confidence in the water
    • safe entry and exit
    • floating and supported movement
    • early kicking and breath control

    This stage serves as an important transition, helping your child feel happy and confident in the water and preparing them for the next stage: Pre-School lessons, where they will build on these foundational aquatic skills on their own.

    Learn more about the Discovery Duckling Awards

  • Pre-School Lessons (1 & 2)

    Pre-school lessons are the first step towards your child learning to swim independently in the water, without you in the pool. With small classes, our instructors give your child plenty of support as they start building their aquatic skills.

    Your child will learn:

    • safe entry and exit
    • supported movement in the water
    • floating with assistance
    • basic breath control, submersion, and rotation
    • short distances of unaided movement
    • early propulsion skills

    By focusing on confidence, independence and core water skills, these lessons help prepare your child for Stage 1 of the Learn to Swim Framework.

  • Learn to Swim Stages 1–7

    Once your child has finished Pre-School lessons, they can move on to Swim England Learn to Swim Stages 1–7. These stages are designed to help your child build key swimming skills, so they can feel confident, capable and safe in the water as they grow.

    Each stage gently builds on the last, introducing new skills at every step:

    • safe movement in the water
    • floating and submersion
    • breathing control
    • stroke development
    • water safety awareness

    As your child moves through the stages, they’ll develop the technique and independence to swim further and learn strokes like front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke.

    Learn more about the Swim England Learn to Swim Stages

  • Baby swimming lessons
    • What age can my baby start swimming?

      We offer baby swimming lessons from 5 months old.

    • What should my baby wear for swimming lessons?
      • A paper or reusable swim nappy
      • A swimsuit, swim set (for example, shorts and a long-sleeved vest) or wetsuit
    • Does my baby need to have all their vaccinations before starting swimming lessons?

      We follow NHS guidelines, which state that your baby does not need to have all their vaccinations before starting swimming lessons.

    • Can I purchase swimming lessons for my baby even though I'm not a Nuffield Health member?

      At most of our centres, swimming lessons are available to members and non-members. Please ask at your local centre for information on any restrictions.
      
      At some of our centres, our swim school is oversubscribed. In these cases, you will need to be a member to take part in swimming lessons.

    • Are Water Babies classes available, and how can I join them?

      At some locations, we also offer Water Babies sessions as an additional option. Delivered by their specialist instructors, these classes support your baby’s early enjoyment and comfort in the water.
      
      Please contact Water Babies directly if you would like to take part in these lessons.

  • Children's swimming lessons
    • What age can my child start swimming?

      We offer swimming lessons for all ages, from babies and toddlers through to children, teenagers and adults. There are options available for every stage of the swimming journey.

    • What should my child wear for swimming lessons?

      Choose swimwear with minimal fabric and attachments to ensure freedom of movement.
      
      Swim caps are recommended, especially for children with long hair.
      
      Goggles are optional. They can protect your child's eyes from chlorine and increase their comfort while swimming.

    • Do I need to get in the water with my child during lessons?

      Once your child is ready for our pre-school classes (typically aged 3+), they will join a small group of up to four swimmers and you will no longer need to be in the water with them.

      When they reach school age, or have completed the pre-school programme, they can progress to a Stage 1 class, where the ratio is a maximum of six swimmers to one instructor.

    • How long will it take my child to learn to swim?

      Every child learns at a different pace. Typically, children aged 3 and over who take 30-minute lessons each week are able to swim confidently within about 12 months.

    • How can I check my child's progress?

      You can view updates on your child's progress by logging into your account on CoursePro. Please speak to a member of the swim team for guidance if you're unsure how to do this.

    • What if my child isn't enjoying it?

      All swimmers take to the water differently, and it is completely normal for children to need time to settle in.
      
      Our instructors will work closely with your child, creating a safe, fun and encouraging environment where they can grow in confidence, develop their skills and learn essential water-safety knowledge at their own pace.
      
      If you ever have concerns, our team is always happy to chat about how we can best support your child's swimming journey.

    • What happens if my child is sick and can't make a lesson?

      If your child is unwell and unable to attend, the missed lesson cannot be refunded, rescheduled or credited.
      
      If your child has a medical condition that prevents them from swimming for an extended period, please provide a medical note from a healthcare professional. This helps us ensure their safety and determine whether any adjustments to future payments may be needed.

    • Do you only offer swimming lessons during term time?

      Nuffield Health runs swim lessons throughout the year for 50 consecutive weeks, with a two-week break in December.

    • Do group swimming lessons run during the school holidays?

      Nuffield Health runs swimming lessons throughout the year for 50 consecutive weeks, with a two-week break in December.

    • Do you offer group crash courses for children?

      Yes, we offer crash courses alongside our regular weekly lessons. These intensive sessions run during school holidays, allowing us to offer convenient daytime slots.
      
      Crash courses are great for building confidence, accelerating progress, or for prospective swimmers who would like to try our lessons before joining the programme.
      
      You can book crash courses online, or speak with a member of the team at your local site, who will be happy to help.

    • Can I purchase swimming lessons for my child even though I'm not a Nuffield Health member?

      At most of our centres, swimming lessons are available to members and non-members. Please ask at your local centre for information on any restrictions.
      
      At some of our centres, our swim school is oversubscribed. In these cases, you will need to be a member to take part in swimming lessons.

  • Buying swimming lessons
    • How much do swimming lessons cost?

      We offer both private (1-to-1 or 2-to-1) and group swimming lessons. For detailed pricing, please speak to your local centre.

    • How can I purchase swimming lessons?

      The first step is to submit an enquiry through our online swim booking portal, which you can access via the Swim Booking button on our swim pages. If you prefer, you can also make an enquiry in person at your local centre.
      
      All group swimming lessons are paid for by monthly direct debit. For private lessons, you can choose to pay by monthly direct debit or purchase a block of 4-lesson or 8-lesson packs, giving you the flexibility to select the option that suits you best.

    • Do I have to be a member of Nuffield Health to purchase swimming lessons?

      At most of our centres, swimming lessons are available to members and non-members. Please ask at your local centre for information on any restrictions.
      
      The centres that do not offer lessons to non-members are: Baltimore Wharf, Barbican, Bridgend, Bristol North, Cannock, Chester, Chislehurst, Ealing, Friern Barnet, Gloucester, Kingston, Liverpool, Paddington, Surbiton, Warwick and Wolverhampton.
      
      At some of our centres, our swim school is oversubscribed. In these cases, you will need to be a member to take part in swimming lessons.

    • What happens once I have paid for my swim packs?

      You will receive an email confirming the times and days of your swimming lessons. You will also receive a link to view the swimmer's CoursePro progress.
      
      Once the initial payment has been made, you will be able to view your direct debit details and lessons through this portal. You will also be able to see all criteria assessments for the stages booked.

    • Who carries out swimming lessons?

      Our highly skilled swimming instructors deliver lessons in accordance with the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme Framework.

    • How do I arrange my lessons?

      Please arrange your lessons via our online booking portal, or speak with a member of the team at your local centre, who will be happy to help.

    • How long is a swimming lesson?

      All our swim lessons are 30 minutes long, except for our Squad group lessons, which are 60 minutes long.

    • What strokes and skills are covered in Nuffield Health's swimming lessons?

      We follow the Swim England Framework for both children and adults, teaching the four main strokes: front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.
      
      You or your child will also learn important skills such as treading water, pushing off and gliding, diving, and submerging to retrieve objects from the bottom of the pool.

  • Cancellations and missing a lesson
    • What happens when lessons need to be cancelled?

      Teacher absences
      
      If a swimming teacher is absent and we are unable to provide a qualified replacement, the lesson will be cancelled. A pro-rata adjustment for the missed session will be applied to your next month's direct debit payment. Refunds are not issued.
      
      Lesson cancellations by Nuffield Health
      
      If we need to cancel a lesson for any reason, including pool closures, operational issues or staffing, a pro-rata adjustment will be applied to your following month's direct debit. Refunds are not provided.
      
      Non-attendance
      
      If a swimmer misses a lesson for any reason, including illness, holidays or personal commitments, the session cannot be refunded, credited or rescheduled.

    • What happens if I miss a lesson?

      If a lesson is missed for any reason, including illness, holidays or personal circumstances, the session cannot be refunded, credited or rescheduled.

      If you are unable to attend lessons for an ongoing medical reason, please provide a medical note confirming that you or your child cannot swim, and contact your local centre as soon as possible.

    • Can I cancel swim lessons purchased online via CoursePro or in-centre before the course or session starts?

      We run a continuous swim programme. If Nuffield Health needs to cancel a swimming lesson, your direct debit payment will be adjusted in the following month to reflect the cancelled session.
      
      Please note: If the centre remains open and lessons go ahead, including during adverse weather, missed sessions cannot be refunded, rescheduled or credited.

      For private 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 lessons, you may cancel before the session starts. A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required. Failure to provide sufficient notice will result in the session being charged in full.

      Please note: A message left on an answerphone is not considered sufficient notice.

    • Can I amend or change the time of my swimming lessons?

      We can change times and days on a permanent basis, but not on a weekly basis.

    • What happens if I get injured and can't continue with my swimming lessons or course?

      We allow swim subscriptions to be frozen for full calendar months in cases of prolonged illness or injury, provided you submit appropriate medical documentation.
      
      We are unable to freeze payments for:

      • Absences of one week or less
      • Minor illnesses (for example, colds or seasonal bugs)
      • Short-term holidays or personal commitments
      • School breaks or temporary preferences
      • Temporary personal health needs (for example, menstruation)
    • When do my swimming lessons expire?

      All private lesson packs (1-to-1 and 2-to-1) expire after 90 days. This means you can use your lessons for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. If you do not use your lessons within the 90-day window, they will be lost, except in medical or extenuating circumstances.
      
      Group lessons run as part of a continuous course for 50 weeks of the year.

    • What happens to my lessons if they go past their expiry date?

      If your lessons pass their expiry date and have not been used, the remaining lessons will be lost.

    • Can I get a refund if I don't like it?

      Nuffield Health Swim School does not provide refunds for lessons. Refunds are only considered in exceptional circumstances, and only at the discretion of management.

      In medical circumstances where you or your child are unable to continue swimming, a refund may be considered only when appropriate medical documentation is provided.