Swim Matters - Children with Additional Needs
At Swim Matters we believe that all children should have the opportunity to learn to swim or to simply experience the joy of being immersed in warm water. This is especially applicable for children with additional needs who may be unable to access public pools.
We are a small private pool based in Dartington near Totnes and have lessons available for mothers with their children aged under three. We follow the 'Birthlight' approach of introducing children to water, which is based on using simple body-based practices inspired by yoga and traditional parenting methods.
Contacts details
Lane To Higher Velwell Farm
Dartington
TQ9 6AD
We are a mother-and-daughter team—Jill and Caroline—who both have a lifelong love of swimming. We believe that swimming is one of the best ways to keep fit and active with minimal risk of injury. With backgrounds in paediatric nursing and education, we know the importance of teaching children the important life skill of swimming and specialise in helping children to learn in accordance with their developmental stage and adults to find comfort and ease in the water.
There is strong evidence that this type of early interaction between parents and babies is crucial to healthy growth and creates the best foundation for learning and self-confidence in childhood. Infants with additional needs also benefit greatly from this gentle, loving approach, and swimming can be used as an additional therapy alongside more mainstream treatments.
We can offer lessons for children with recognised conditions and additional needs. The warm water and size of the pool are the ideal environment for children to learn basic swimming skills and how to stay safe near water. Classes offer moves and exercises especially designed for your child and which help physical development and cognitive progress. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to have fun with your child and enjoy the warm water environment.
Classes will take place after we have taken a full medical history and made a suitable plan together. Where appropriate, advice should be taken from your child's medical team prior to starting lessons.
Our pool is heated to 31 degrees with a comfortable changing area, shower, and toilet. We have plenty of parking with direct access to the pool area.
Please be aware that due to the layout and situation of the pool, we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs, and entry to the pool is via a short set of steps.
All families and children are welcome, and we are happy to discuss your child's requirements.
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- 0 to 1 years old
- 1 to 2 years old
- 2 to 3 years old
- Cerebral palsy
- Down's syndrome
- Learning disabilities
- Mobility issues
- Physical disabilities
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