Kick-Start Kids: their next step in the pool

Kick-Start Kids is our swimming programme for children aged four to seven, with lessons taught without a parent in the water. Whether your child is a beginner or already swimming independently, our four levels provide a starting point based on ability, confidence and experience.

Lessons follow the STA framework in our private, heated, purpose-built pools. With a maximum of four children per teacher, children practise the skills needed for increasingly confident, independent swimming.

At a glance: Ages 4–7 · 30-minute weekly lessons during the term · Up to four children per teacher · Parents remain in the viewing area

Four levels, matched to your child

• Level 1 — Getting started: For beginners or children with less confidence. Activities introduce entry and exit, bubbles, supported floating and kicking, and following the teacher without a parent in the pool.
• Level 2 — Growing independence: For children comfortable putting their face in the water and beginning to move with less support. Skills include floating, pushing and gliding, short independent swims and returning to the side.
• Level 3 — Developing technique: For independent swimmers ready to develop coordination and strokes. Activities work on front crawl and backstroke actions, breathing, breaststroke leg action and body position.
• Level 4 — Bringing skills together: For confident independent swimmers developing coordinated strokes, breathing and stamina, alongside treading water and sculling.

These are examples of the skills covered, rather than a promise of what every child will achieve in one term. Children progress when they can consistently demonstrate the skills needed for the next stage.

What do parents do during the lesson?

Please help your child get changed and bring them to poolside for their teacher to collect them. Parents remain in the viewing area throughout the class. Teachers use a platform in the pool where needed so children can stand during activities.

Find a suitable class

Use our level finder or contact us if you are unsure where to start, particularly if your child has learned elsewhere. Current dates, prices and spaces are shown when you select a class. Catch-up lessons are not available for Kick-Start Kids.

Explore Chiswick and Twickenham, or see our holiday Swim Confidence Courses.