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Welcome to Sholfins Swim School

Join the fun and learn to swim with our qualified instructors. Swimming lessons from reception upwards, based at Woodrow First School, Redditch.

About Sholfins

Sholfins Swim School CIC is a not-for-profit company born from a passion and love for swimming. We are extremely passionate about our community. Our aim is to try and remove as many barriers as possible, preventing our community of Redditch from learning to swim.

The team at Sholfins recognise that due to the pandemic there has been a huge impact on children having access to water in their early years. A number of primary/middle schools have also been unable to provide this life skill to their pupils prior to the pandemic for several different reasons, therefore, falling short of the national curriculum requirements, through no fault of their own.

Swimming and water safety has been a statutory element of the national curriculum for physical education in England since 1994. This means that every 11-year-old child should leave primary/middle school with the skills to keep themselves safe.

Swimming lessons provide all children with vital skills to help with survival and this is no different for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).  By 2025, over 780,000 children with SEND will be in the education system. However, inequalities in the ability of schools and teachers to offer high quality opportunities for them to participate in PE, School Sport or Physical Activity still exist, with disabled young people twice as likely to be physically inactive as non-disabled people. 

The focus on the new revised Ofsted inspection framework is also an area of consideration for schools to bare in mind.

At Sholfins we believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn to swim. All of our instructors are Level 2, Swim England qualified and have RLSS Lifeguard, First Aid and Safeguarding Qualifications. The team are passionate about teaching and ensure that each child is given the support and encouragement to become water confident no matter what age. We are registered with Swim England and follow the learn to swim programme and the School Swimming and Water Safety charter.

School Swimming

We provide 10 weekly, half hour sessions, for 15 children with two fully qualified instructors in the water, a ratio of 7/8:1. We teach all year groups from reception upwards. The aim is to provide every child the opportunity to learn, at the earliest opportunity, such an important life skill at the highest level of instruction whilst providing a better quality of lesson for all pupils enabling them to meet the national curriculum standard of each pupil being able to – 

  • Swim Competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres
  • Use a range of strokes effectively, for example, front crawl, backstroke and breastroke     
  • Perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations


For more on Swimming and Water Safety in Schools | Swim England
click here.           

Lessons will be run in 10-week blocks over the academic year. It would be the decision of the school as to which year group you wish to send in each block. All schools are asked to seriously consider sending their children as early as possible. As swimming is also considered to be part of Physical Education, schools can justifiably engage their children in a 10 week block of swimming in place of a Physical Education lesson. Our lessons incorporate fun and engaging activities whilst teaching water safety and encouraging confidence in the water.

We also provide visits to schools to provide lessons in Water Safety and the dangers of water. The lesson includes fun games and activities for children to participate in, together with discussions on how to stay safe. If your school would like more information please contact us.

Community Sessions

Our 30 minute sessions are delivered to groups of seven to eight children with an instructor in the water to maximise progression. We do have a class dedicated to older children from the age of 8 to 13 years. All lessons follow the Swim England Learn to Swim programme, please see the link below.

Due to the limitations of the pool we use, we will recommend that your child join a larger swim school at a 25m pool in order to continue progression once we feel they have reached the ability to do so.

Learn to Swim Stage 1-7 Awards | Swim England Learn to Swim (swimming.org) 

Training Opportunities

At Sholfins we are always looking for individuals interested in a career in teaching. If you are 16 years or over and are interested in a career as a Swimming Teacher then please get in touch.

For more information on our First Aid, AED and CPR Training, click here.

We also provide First Aid courses at all levels.

 

Meet the Sholfins Team

Check out the team behind Sholfins Swim School CIC

Rachael

Rach

Director/Owner Sholfins Swim School CIC

Experience

I learnt to swim at the age of 4 years old and continued to compete at club level to the age of 16 where I gained Club Captain status. I qualified as a Lifeguard at the age of 20 and subsequently trained to be a fully qualified swimming instructor in 1999. I have over 20+ years’ experience in teaching children and adults at all levels from beginners to advanced.

Teaching swimming has always been my passion. It is such an important life skill to learn. I believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to learn to swim.

CPD Qualifications

Deaf Awareness and British Sign Language in Aquatics, Fun Approach to Learn to Swim, Integrating swimmers with a Physical/Sensory impairment in to mainstream swimming.

Alternative qualifications:
Level 2 Swimming Instructor.
RLSS Pool Lifeguard.
Designated Safeguard Lead.
Safeguarding in Sport.
HND Sports Science.
First Aid at Work Level 3.

Interests & Hobbies

I love everything to do with swimming & sports, snowboarding, reading & camping.

Julie

Julie

Manager & Level 2 Swimming Instructor

Experience

I have been a swimming Instructor for nearly 20 years. In between this I was an ambulance technician for 10 years.
I teach all ages and abilities and absolutely love working with children. The reward gained after knowing I have taught them a new skill is unforgettable.
My passion is inclusion, I believe every child, no matter their ability, should have the experience of gaining water confidence within a group setting.
 

CPD Qualifications

Teaching Pre-school children.

Alternative qualifications: 
PWTAG Approved Pool Plant Operators Qualification.
UK Coaching Safeguarding & Protecting Children.
Level 2 Swimming Instructor. Level 1, 2 & 3 Makaton Trained
Advanced Safeguarding Children (Level 2).
 

Interests & Hobbies

Live Music, Cycling & Holidays in our static caravan.

Rachel

Rachel

Level 2 Swimming Instructor

Experience

I have been teaching swimming for 30 years as a whole. I became a volunteer helper at the age of 13 at both Studley and Hewell Road Swimming pools. I served in the army as a Combat Medic for 5 year after which I qualified as a level 2 Instructor in 2002 at Kingsley Swimming Pool. I have worked with all ages and ability levels including adults and those with additional needs.

I love seeing swimmers progress, especially those who have never been in water before. The look on their faces when they realise they are actually swimming for the first time will always be priceless

CPD Qualifications

Safeguarding, Fun approach to learn to swim.

Interests & Hobbies

Running and wild camping.

Becky

Becky

Level 2 Swimming Instructor/RLSS Pool Lifeguard

Experience

I became a level 1 Swimming Instructor in 2015 after working with children for 10+ years as a trampoline coach. I started voluntary work from the age of 16 and found working with children extremely rewarding and developed a real passion for wanting to teach. I qualified as a Lifeguard and found myself quite frustrated and intrigued watching people swim with bad technique. It was at this point I decided to pursue a career in teaching.

Upon gaining my level 2 qualification I have felt proud of watching the children I have taught, grow and progress through the years. I find my job so rewarding and absolutely love it.

CPD Qualifications

Safeguarding.

Alternative qualifications:
Level 2 Trampolining Coach.
Level 3 Personal Trainer.
Paddlesport Leader/Instructor.

Interests & Hobbies

Swimming, Kayaking, Walking my dogs & socialising with friends

Lesley

Lesley

Level 2 Swimming Instructor

Experience

After completing my Level 1 Assistant Swimming Instructor qualification last year, I approached Sholfins who kindly allowed me to teach voluntarily, alongside them to gain experience and knowledge. I have since gained my Level 2 qualification with Sholfins and teach as part of their team.

I enjoy watching the children’s confidence grow and seeing their faces when they have achieved a new skill. This is as exciting for me as it is for them.

CPD Qualifications

Safeguarding.

Interests & Hobbies

I enjoy walking and visiting new places.

Milly

Milly

Level 1 Teaching Assistant

Experience

CPD Qualifications

Interests & Hobbies

Jasmine

Jasmine

Level 1 Teaching Assistant

Experience

CPD Qualifications

Safeguarding.

Interests & Hobbies

Lisa

LISA

LEVEL 1 Swimming Assistant

Experience

As a non swimmer and afraid of water, I was given the opportunity by Sholfins to volunteer and support my son’s primary school during their weekly lessons.
 
My career to date has involved working with children of all ages, this was a whole new learning curve for me to explore. A year on, through the support of the team, I am now able to swim a short distance and the fear of swimming has now been replaced with determination so much so that Sholfins have supported me to become a Level 1 Swimming Assistant. I love my job at Sholfins.

Qualifications

NVQ Level 3 Early Years and Education
CACHE Level 2 Childrens Mental Health
CACHE Level 2 Understanding Autism
Paediatric First Aid
Level 1 Swimming Assistant

CPD

Swimming Lesson Helper
Safeguarding

LOUISE

LEVEL 2 Swimming Instructor

Experience

I became a triathlon coach in 2015 because I loved being able to help others enjoy the sport which I had discovered a few years previous.  Regularly people would ask if they could join, even if they weren’t good swimmers and myself, being an adult who learnt to swim in their early 30’s, I always migrated to those who needed that extra bit of support. If I could turn back time I would have loved to swim as a child and that’s why I believe it’s so important that all children are given the opportunity and encouragement to learn.
It’s so rewarding when you see their confidence grow and I regularly have a tear in my eye!

Qualifications

UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Level 2 British Triathlon Coach
Level 3 Personal Trainer and Exercise Referral Specialist
Level 4 Exercise Practitioner for Low Back Care
Level 1 Swimming Assistant
Level 2 Swimming Instructor

Hobbies

Swimming, cycling, running, yoga/pilates and knitting!

Cathy

Independent Welfare Officer

Bio

I am really excited to be part of the dedicated team at Sholfins as their Independent Welfare officer. I have an extensive background in education with over 25 years experience, roles have included class teaching  all year groups in Primary schools (including teaching classes of 30 Y2 swimming skills weekly). Teaching in Pupil Referral Units, LEA behaviour advisor and SEN. I have also gained experience and training in Safeguarding, counselling, mentoring and supporting children and vulnerable adults. Currently, I am mentoring students in high schools and looking after my young grandson. I am committed to supporting Sholfins and welcome the opportunity to support the welfare of all its members.
 
Please contact me direct with any concerns – [email protected]

SKIPPER

Team Mascot

About Skipper

Success Stories

Don't just take our word for it, see what others are saying about Sholfins.

Testimonials

In addition to the above success stories we have also received praise from the schools we are working with.

This year the pupils of Arrow Valley enjoyed swimming lessons for the first time since opening.  Each week a group of pupils hop onto a minibus and visit Woodrow First School which has the perfect pool for our learners.  It is like a classroom with a pool! Many of our pupils haven’t experienced swimming lessons and were tremendously brave in taking the first steps into the water, some were even shaking with nerves.  The instructors who are RLSS trained lifeguards and First Aid Qualified are in the pool with the children to maximise progression no matter the level. It wasn’t long though before the Sholfin team had them running, splashing and now swimming across the pool.  For those pupils who were already strong swimmers the sessions gave them the opportunity to improve their strokes and breathing technique.  More significantly all pupils learnt about water safety, learning to identify different swimming flags and what to do if you ever fell into the water. ‘I honestly do not believe the pupils will have achieved what they have in such a short time without the support of Rach, Julie and Lisa and the resilience of the Arrow Valley Pupils who are so determined to succeed.

Ready to find out more?

Get in touch with us today to find out about our swimming lessons and training opportunities.

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