Children are welcome to join our preschool classes (without parents in the water) from around 3 years of age, once they are ready. We recognise that every child is unique, and in some cases we may recommend starting in a baby & toddler class first. This allows your little one to build confidence alongside you in the water—especially if they are new to swimming, have had a negative experience in the past, or feel a little nervous.
Course Details
Our preschool classes are designed to build confidence and enjoyment in the water while introducing children to early swimming techniques and skills. Classes are grouped according to age and swimming experience.
It’s very normal for new preschoolers to take a couple of weeks to get used to the instructors, the lessons, and the routine. We always encourage completing at least half a term to give your child time to settle in. If they are not quite ready, we may recommend moving to a baby & toddler class (with you in the water) and will support you in finding an alternative class that best suits your child’s needs.
For safety reasons, our preschool children wear arm discs (which we provide) when they first start lessons, as our pools are too deep for them to stand. The discs are gradually reduced once children are able to hold the woggle confidently, maintain correct body position and leg kick, and show increasing confidence in the water.
Arm discs are an important tool to support learning—they allow children to swim more independently, experience a greater sense of freedom, and enjoy more swimming practice during each lesson. They do not hinder progress or create dependence; in fact, they often help children gain confidence and independence more quickly.
As children are not physically able to support themselves for repeated breaths and swim fully unaided until around the age of 3, our focus remains on developing confidence, correct technique, and foundational skills to enable faster progression as they grow.
Cost & Term Structure
Preschool classes have a maximum of just 3 children per class, depending on pool location, and two classes running side by side in the pool. We offer 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 class sizes. Sometimes the classes may work together on certain skills or to join in group games.
Here are our class prices for our Tongham / Grayshott & Bordon pools respectively for the September – December 2025 term.
1:1 classes are £119 per month / £127.50 per month
1:2 classes are £73.50 / £78.75 per month
1:3 classes are £52.50 / £56.25 per month
We swim alongside the school terms with a break for half terms and holidays (40 weeks per year) and also run additional swim weeks during half terms and holidays.
Availability & Booking
Due to the high demand for our lessons, we are continually expanding the range of classes we offer. Preschool classes are grouped by age and swimming ability, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis once a completed booking form is received. Classes are booked termly, and your space will be automatically carried forward each term. We recommend booking early to secure your place.
Payment Options
Lesson payments are taken by monthly direct debit, are calculated based on the number of weeks of the term and are split over the four months of each term. Payments are taken one full month in advance, on the 2nd of each month. Full information about payment details is available under “Pay Online”.