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
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
Manager & Level 2 Swimming Instructor
Experience
CPD Qualifications
Teaching Pre-school children.
PWTAG Approved Pool Plant Operators Qualification.
Interests & Hobbies
Live Music, Cycling & Holidays in our static caravan.
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
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
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
Level 1 Teaching Assistant
Experience
…
CPD Qualifications
…
Interests & Hobbies
…
Jasmine
Level 1 Teaching Assistant
Experience
…
CPD Qualifications
Safeguarding.
Interests & Hobbies
…
LISA
LEVEL 1 Swimming Assistant
Experience
Qualifications
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
Level 2 British Triathlon Coach
Level 3 Personal Trainer and Exercise Referral Specialist
Level 4 Exercise Practitioner for Low Back Care
Hobbies
Swimming, cycling, running, yoga/pilates and knitting!
Cathy
Independent Welfare Officer
Bio
SKIPPER
Team Mascot
About Skipper
Success Stories
Don't just take our word for it, see what others are saying about Sholfins.
Swimming is such an important life skill. At the age of 45, i am unable to swim due to my parents raising 4 children in the 1980's. My Dad was made redundant and money was tight so a trip to the swimming baths was a luxury back then. As a parent, you want what is best for your children. My eldest son had lessons and now its my youngest sons turn to learn. Family circumstances changed for us recently which required me to change my working hours and become a carer as my son became poorly at the time. Finances changed massively with me reducing my hours so money is tight and again, swimming lessons are a luxury having to live off a tight budget. Rachael and Leigh have set up an amazing swim school to give the opportunity for children to learn this life skill. The cost of the lessons has made it affordable to not have to worry about high fees and an extra bonus is the extra weekly lesson he now gets at school. We are not the only family in this situation. Covid has also had an effect on most peoples finances. Every child out there should have access to swimming lessons to learn this skill that may one day potentially save there and someone elses life. All the swim teachers are child friendly, have amazing relationships with the children and show professionalism with parents at all times. Once my son is swimming confidently, i am hoping to learn to swim myself along with quite a few adults i know who have also shown an interest. I was suprised at just how many adults out there cannot swim!! Thank you Rachael and Leigh for setting up Sholfins. Wishing you continued success.
Lisa
My daughter has recently started swimming lessons with Sholfins. She is an extremely shy little girl who can have issues with separating from her her trusted grown ups. On the first lesson she jumped into the pool and had the most wonderful time. She loves her teacher Rach and seems to have full trust in her already. My son has been attending another swimming club for a number of years and is now about to finish after achieving his 800m badge. My daughter has been on the waiting list for this swimming club for almost 2 years. When I heard about Sholfins I was keen to sign her up, I couldn’t believe how quickly we were put into a group and how easy it has been to contact anyone from the Sholfins team (emails are usually answered the very same day!) The cost of the lessons is excellent value much better than any we have ever used before. Many of my daughters friends are keen to join this group but as demand is high, there are currently no more places. As 5 year olds who have missed 18 months of going swimming with their families (we try to book sessions at the weekly pool but unless you are up at the crack of dawn to secure a spot for the following week you miss out) these children need swimming lessons more than ever
Clare
My son joined the swim school in July this year. He loves it and can’t wait to come each week. The cost of the swimming is affordable and hugely accessible compared to many of the other swim schools available. Getting him signed up to lessons back in July was really straight forward and the team are always considerate and accommodating. Finding a class that is not too late in the day and also a weekday is massively beneficial too.The team are engaging and it clearly shows how much my son enjoys it as he’s disappointed when he either can’t go or when classes close for the school holidays. Communication is always clear from the team and responses to questions are really quick. Swimming is so important to a child’s development and confidence /safety in the water so I hugely value the affordable and accessible lessons at the Sholfins.
Jayne
I just want to say a big thank you to you both for helping my two children gain confidence in the water, let alone swimming . I recently left one baths and instructors due to making my son uncomfortable, but I can honestly say my kids love going to your class they have come on leaps and bounds and I think it’s great that the schools are swimming now and I think as a life lesson it should be a compulsory part of the school curriculum. Thank you
Nicola
Our little girl was really reluctant to start swimming and nervous about her first lesson but when she called me on loud speaker on the way home she shouted "It was great; I loved it" and she's carried on loving it since. We're so pleased with how much she has learnt in such a short space of time, and it's fantastic that the group sizes are small to allow for personal attention
Emily
Lucas is fairly new to swimming and is a very sensitive individual. He is nervous and immediately gets anxious when asked to do something new that's out of his comfort zone. From his very first session (where there were tears and he wanted to go home after the first 15minutes), he has come on so much and now looks forward to his weekly swimming lessons.Up until now we have only worked with Rachael but she has been totally amazing in making sure Lucas feels comfortable and looked after. She has gone above and beyond to familiarise herself with Lucas' interests and has allowed him to 'take care' of a special Spider-Man duck for the week between lessons. He has loved this and he is excited to take duck back to Rachael each Monday evening. Rachael's initiative and caring nature makes her a wonderful teacher. The whole Sholfins team are so professional and a real asset to the Redditch area and the swimming world.
Charlotte
Dylan thoroughly enjoys his lessons.His needs are supported and they are inclusive. Lessons are fun and he has grown in confidence in the water and skills.
Gemma
After such a long time 'out of the water' due to the Pandemic I was keen to get my five-year-old son back to swimming lessons. Right from the start I was pleased that I chose to send him to Sholfins. Leigh and Rachael were quick to respond to all enquiries and communication was clear. My son absolutely loves the lessons and cannot wait to get there each week. The lessons are well planned, resourced and ultimately fun - the best way to learn! The teachers get into the pool with the children and can provide that direct support beginner swimmers really need. The confidence and ability my son showed at a recent swimming party is testament to how much the lessons have helped him. All of the staff, both in and out of the pool, are professional, approachable and clearly passionate about helping the next generation learn to swim!
Lucy
We couldn’t be happier with the progress Fergus has made since starting with you only what is maybe 8-10 weeks of lessons, just awesome, his confidence is amazing, he wouldn’t put his head in the water before, now he’s diving down and loving swimming. We hadn’t been able to get him into lessons locally, the waiting lists were so long, so when the opportunity to join your club arose we jumped at the chance, thank you, we really hope you can expand and share your skills with so many others in a similar place to us.
Marie-Anne
I am so glad I have found Sholfins Swim School! My son Ben has a lesson through school once a week in addition to an after school lesson and he always looks forward to these sessions. Swimming is such an important skill and I think Ben is incredibly lucky to be taught this through school, it should be available for every child in every school. The lessons are well planned and delivered by Rachael and Leigh and they always make it fun for the children.
Tammy
Both my children are taking lessons with Sholfins and both are loving it! Swimming is such an important life skill and I think it's wonderful that Sholfins provide such a great service at an affordable price. The instructors are kind, knowledgeable and seem to have limitless patience. I would highly recommend their services.
Claire
We were recommended to Sholfins by our friend and are extremely pleased that our daughter got a space for lessons! Thanks to Leigh’s fantastic patience and calmness our daughter’s confidence in the water is really coming along after only attending 3 lessons, which is so important to us as we love to take our children swimming. Having access to affordable swimming lessons is so important as i feel it’s a very important life skill, to be able to enjoy things such as swimming parties, pools on holiday or just a leisurely family swim session. Having 2 young children, it will be so much easier once our daughter (being the eldest) gains that confidence to be able to swim about a bit more by herself. We’re so grateful for our daughters space at Sholfins and she really enjoys her lessons there with Leigh 🙂
Lois
I was looking for a suitable swim school for my 4 year old Daughter that would help improve her confidence in the water and ultimately teach her to swim. Rach, Leigh and the team are marvellous at what they do and considering this is a fairly new organisation it is ran extremely well, lessons run smoothly week in week out and the team are working well within covid guidelines. Communication is brilliant and all the staff are consistently friendly and approachable enabling you to express any concerns you may have. My Daughter loves her lessons and I have already seen a huge improvement. She thinks the instructors are wonderful and looks forward to going every week. I think there was a need for a new innovative swim school in our local area and I would highly recommend Sholfins
Becky
Testimonials
In addition to the above success stories we have also received praise from the schools we are working with.
I am delighted to be able to provide the following testimony for Sholfins Swim School. As a school we have a duty of care to provide opportunities for our children which, they may not otherwise be able to access. Increasingly, the number of our children not being able to access swimming lessons outside of school has become increasingly a concern for us, as we believe this life skill is essential for all our children. The intake at Tenacres (IDACI DATA) is 44% of our children live in the 'most deprived' households compared to 20% Nationally.
Headteacher
Tenacres First School RedditchOur school has not been able to go swimming for a number of years, due to all local pools being full and not able to accommodate us. This has been something that has disappointed both our school staff, the governing body and our parent body. After receiving the details of a possible opportunity through Sholfins Swim School we were very excited. Not only would we be able to fulfill the elements of the National Curriculum but we would be able to give our children the important life skills of being able to swim.
Scott Smith, Headteacher
Fairfield First SchoolMany of the children were unable to swim at the start of their lessons, and it's fair to say were a little scared! However, through the encouragement of the Sholfins team, we are very pleased, and very proud, to say that 95% of the children earned their 25m swimming award, as required by the National Curriculum for KS2. Alongside this, the children were taught valuable lessons in water safety and what to do in the event of an emergency near water. We could not be prouder of them all. Well done.
Deputy Head and Year 4 teacher Tenacres
Mrs WaltersWe are beyond proud of all the children’s achievements. Seeing their confidence develop alongside their swimming was such a pleasure to see. We started with very few of the 60 children swimming and we have finished with 48/60 achieving their 25m and over distance badges. 93% of the whole year group achieved some distance badge! Incredible. To think they have another 10 week block of lessons next year with Sholfins, we feel that all children would have reached their 25m distance badge which children need to achieve by the end of KS2 (Year 6) before they finish at Tenacres in Year 4.
Year 3 teachers Tenacres
Mrs Kelly and Miss ParkinsonThis 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.
Headteacher – Arrow Valley First School
Mrs AllenReady to find out more?
Get in touch with us today to find out about our swimming lessons and training opportunities.
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