Here’s the number one thing to get right.
At SEN Swim, we teach children with additional needs how to swim. We show them how to blow raspberries underwater. How to dive for toys. We work towards building their confidence and teaching them how to be safe in the water.
But there’s something that comes before all of this. Something that we feel distinguishes a good lesson from an outstanding lesson.
It’s when a swimming instructor really takes the time to get to know the child. To understand them as an individual. To keep questions in mind, like:
How do they learn? What do they struggle with? What do they need to thrive and reach their potential? How do they feel about themselves? What will help build trust and rapport? Even, how they feel on the day of the swim lesson.
At the enrolment stage, we hold a phone call with the parents or caregivers. We carefully read through the detailed forms you fill out. We try to find out what the child feels confident about and what they may find more challenging. This is how we plan to structure our lessons. Start with strengths, build trust and rapport and then slowly move to tackle more difficult aspects of swimming or being in the water. There is never any hurry, and we go at the pace each child needs.
All our teachers are highly qualified and can teach swimming at all levels. But it’s not about us. Our teachers must know how to put everything else aside and put the students at the core of the lessons. It’s not about pushing a curriculum, hitting targets or racing to meet goals. It’s not always about technique or speed, though we absolutely teach these when and if it’s right for the child.
It’s about the student and their right to experience the joy of swimming, just like anyone else.
And when we get this right, we see real leaps forward. The teacher feels the connection. The parents can see it from the side of the pool. And most of all, the child feels engaged, safe and able to thrive in every way that matters for them.
So, if there’s one thing we’d tell you to look for in a great SEN Swimming lesson, it’s this: nothing matters more than a teacher who meets your child exactly where they are.
Want to learn more?
Book an informal call with SEN Swim founder Joe, explore our FAQS, or send us a message at info@senswim.org.
We can’t wait to get started.
We can’t wait to get started.
