Reviews
”My child went to Paddles from a young age to a teenager and the confidence he built up whilst swimming with Paddles every week not to mention his swimming badges and medals from the annual Paddles gala. Pure gold!’’
S Hollinshead (Parent)
“We think it’s amazing and great fun! We love the staff and helpers. We’ve made new friends, also we love the hard work doing lots of different strokes and lengths.”
Ethan & Oskar Hughes (Swimmers)
”My eldest has been with Paddles for over 7 years and has really improved with his water confidence and technique while being apart of a ‘safe’ space and lovely family feel. My youngest has also been apart of the group since she was a toddler and loves the encouragement and fun. They both have very different needs and all the teachers have brilliant skills to help all the disabilities to learn to swim and enjoy the water. A very important part of both of their lives!’’
L Burton (Parent)
”Paddles is like a family for our children they are all individuals with their needs but every care is taken to accommodate every child and their disability. Anna and the team are exceptional in the care for the children in the classes and the children’s needs always come first. When my daughter had spinal fusion (which restricted her head movement), Anna was there every step of the way guiding her back into the pool and making sure it was a safe environment for her. Acts of kindness like this are priceless for parents whose children have their own interpretation of the world around them’’
N Wright (Parent)
”The swim school provides an inclusive approach for children of all abilities. This approach has shaped a very relaxed and friendly environment where the children can learn at their own pace and most importantly have fun! The level of support and teaching is second to none and each member of staff is fully invested in their role and committed to the children to fulfil their individual endeavours. We cannot thank Anna and her team enough for the progress that we are seeing with our little boy. Swimming really enhances his wellbeing and it is all thanks to Paddles!’’
H Herrington (Parent)
”We first attended Paddles in 2022. Liam has Down Syndrome and we did not know where to start to teach him to swim . Due to his needs we could not access public lessons as he needed a more specialist approach. We were warmly welcomed by the Paddles team and have now been attending over two years. They have not only helped Liam to start to swim independently, but have given us the confidence to take him in the water and let him be independent. It’s a lovely atmosphere and the team are friendly, warm and helpful. Liam looks forward to it every week. ”
C Reader (Parent)
”Paddles is truly special. Without paddles my son wouldn’t have anywhere to learn to swim, as he wouldn’t be able to attend general swimming lessons. I cannot thank the staff enough; they are incredibly caring and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that we love attending. I cherish the time I get to spend in the pool with my son at paddles as he gets to experience swimming safely; something he wouldn’t be able to do without the paddles class. I cannot recommend paddles enough.’’
J Messham (Parent)
”Paddles swim school offers a supportive environment targeting your child’s needs and provides support to make transitions easier and drive awareness for parents on how their children can develop. Their interventional style is delivered with awareness, patience and a genuine desire to achieve success for your child at all stages of swim development.’’
C Molloy (Parent)
”The experience which this remarkable swim school and its team provide is so valued that it attracts people from not only our local community, but also youngsters from far afield. Having spent some time at the club, it’s clear how much these swim sessions mean to them. The look on the participants faces is always one of heartfelt happiness as this makes the impossible possible and with the support from the team, they can enjoy freedom of movement that they otherwise unable to do. It’s also lovely to see how it brings people together and an opportunity for new friendships to be made amongst families. Keep up the great work Paddles!’’
L Ransome (Leek Building Society)
”We have attended paddles for over a decade. Anna and the team have been an amazing and supportive group of individuals over this time. The benefits of swimming for my son is a necessary exercise and physiotherapy for his condition of cerebral palsy. Accessing public swimming lessons is not easy and sometimes impossible for children who have similar conditions. This is why so many families travel to be able to access Paddles. Paddles provides a safe space for children and families to be themselves with no judgement from other people which has been invaluable for our family. Every child is welcome and their plan is tailored to their ability and challenges, all children are approached with kindness, respect and no judgement. Anna and the Paddles team include the whole family, including my sons siblings to help him engage and access the swimming sessions. My son has been assigned coach’s to swim with him, these people have all been carefully matched and they all understand and want to help, this includes younger teenagers too which is lovely and inspiring to see. Throughout our journey my son has had various operations and the support from Paddles adapts to meet his needs to aid recovery. As a parent you are able meet people with similar challenges. Families can talk about these challenges, gain support and sign post ideas for other services. This helps families to not feel isolated and have friendships within Paddles. Our experience of Paddles is that each child and family are unique and are treated so by all the team at Paddles. Paddles is more than a swim school as it provides a safe space for families, parents and siblings, allowing all children to enjoy and be safe swimming.’’
J Elms (Parent)
”Paddles is definitely my son’s favourite activity of the week. It allows him space to move around independently and safely, giving him a sense of freedom. Anna and her team are patient, positive and encouraging. We couldn’t recommend Paddles enough!’’
C Nicklin (Parent)
”Paddles is a swimming school for children with all kinds of disabilities – from physical to mental disabilities. Anna has a great experience working with disabled children. All other teachers, under her guidance and support, help those children to learn how to be independent in water. This swimming school is giving our children a place where they can safely enjoy their time in the water. Paddles gave us a knowledge on how to swim with our severely disabled daughter during the holidays. Highly recommended!’’
Z Piaszyk (Parent)