Learning to swim at Pilgrims

Swimming is a crucial skill for children to learn – not just so youngsters can stay safe when poolside but also as an enriching activity they will love for a lifetime.

At Pilgrims we are proud to offer swimming lessons to all our pupils, from Kindergarten and Pre School all the way up to Year 2.

Here, we look at how important it is that children learn to swim and how at Pilgrims, they will be comfortable in the water from an early age.

Why is swimming important

As a skill, swimming is lifesaving. Being able to stay afloat and get to the side of a pool is a vital skill all children should learn.

Knowing your child is comfortable in the water gives parents the peace of mind their children are safe to splash around and enjoy themselves.

But safety aside, swimming is a great way to stay fit and active, a form of exercise that is as fun as it is good for you.

And that’s the real benefit – giving children a love of the water and confidence in the pool opens up a pursuit they will enjoy throughout their lives.

Building confidence

Children at Pilgrims start in the pool at an early age.

It starts simply, building a child’s confidence in the water and enabling them to dip their head in the water and feel happy getting their face wet.

“Children start their journey with learning to swim at Kindergarten age, with lessons once a week, around 20 minutes long,” said Pilgrims’ Swimming Manager Mrs Kret.

“When they move to Pre School the sessions are increased to a 30 minute session, rising to 40 minutes once a week until Year 2.

“It’s about building their confidence and their awareness and getting them used to the water.

“Kindergarten and Pre School is all about building the foundation, building their confidence.

“Then in Reception we slowly start to teach swimming strokes, kicking, front crawl, breaststroke and backstroke.”

Swimming facilities

The school has two pools, one shallow pool for children to have some fun and splash around, and another 12.5m by 6m pool to learn the basics of swimming.

Younger children start in our shallow pool to get comfortable with the water, and then progress to the main pool when they are developing their strokes.

Learning to swim should be fun – and Mrs Kret and her team make sure the children enjoy every moment.

At the end of each session, no matter their age, the children move to the shallow pool to splash around and play – a perfect way to end a session.

Advancing in the pool

If our children want to take swimming further, and like the idea of competing, Pilgrims have advanced sessions to take their swimming to the next level.

Mrs Kret said: “We have a Swim Squad where, for more skilled children, we work  on advanced swimming drills to develop front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. 

“We also take part in swimming galas, which we host at Pilgrims or attend at other schools.

“We also run an After School Swimming Club, so if parents want to give their children some extra pool time and help them improve their skills and techniques, we can provide that.”

Pilgrims also offers swimming as an activity during our half-term breaks.

Mrs Kret said: ““Children in our Holiday Club enjoy fun swimming sessions, and for those who want to focus entirely on swimming, we offer a three-day Holiday Swim School. 

“Here, children boost their water confidence, and it’s also the perfect chance to strengthen core aquatic skills from floating, gliding and jumping.

“Since November this year, Pilgrims has been offering Baby and Parent Swimming lessons, which is an amazing opportunity for parents and their little ones to enjoy their first swimming splashes together “

One of the highlights of the year are Pilgrims’ “See Me Swim” days, where parents can come along and see how their child is progressing.

“These are so fun,” Mrs Kret added. “The children are very excited to show their parents what they have learned.

“We are so proud of the excellent swimming facilities at Pilgrims, our pool facilities are amazing – and the children just love it.

“If our children want to take their swimming further and like the idea of competing, Pilgrims can offer advanced sessions to help them progress to the next level.”

For more information on early years development at Pilgrims, see here.