Autism Approved Swim School

Contact Kim now to book!

I am excited to be able to offer Dorsets First Autism Approved service within the Aqua-Babe Swim School. I am committed to undertaking regular training in order that I can understand my clients needs as an individual on a 1-1 basis. I am dedicated to improving education, empowering change, and fostering inclusive practices to my lessons whether they are in a group or 1-1 lessons.

As an Instructor, I am nurturing, patient and compassionate however maintain appropriate boundaries as needed, for example, if I have a new swimmer or a beginner, their first lessons will be about learning small tasks in little steps whilst enjoying themselves and staying safe in the water whilst I can assess them too. As they improve, so will their level of learning to achieve their goals, technique is crucial at this stage in order that they begin to learn survival skills. Strokes, speed, and endurance will soon follow. I shall also be very aware of them becoming overwhelmed.

In addition to the above, I recognise that small details and change can from time to time unsettle the swimmer therefore I do encourage them to bring a toy or something that they may find comforting. I would also like to encourage parents/carers to communicate with me about their swimmer’s progress and/or goals in order that we are all working together and any special interests they may have in order that I can engage in communication.

I believe that there are 8 KEY areas when we swim together and these are:
WATER THERAPY – ensuring my swimmers are comfortable and happy to be in and around the water, this promotes the foundations for further learning.
SENSORY INTEGRATION – Water provides a unique sensory experience; this can help with sensory integration. Water often has a calming and soothing effect, aiding in sensory regulation (Water is “My Happy Place”). Love and connection being amplified through the water.
WATER SAFETY – is imperative for every learner, however even more so for our swimmers who might have their differences in perceiving risk and danger.
LEARN TO SWIM – I will adapt and modify my teaching techniques to ensure that I cater for different learning styles and abilities. I shall endeavour to work towards individual goals, rather than trying to fit swimmers into pre-determined “levels.”
PHYSICAL FITNESS – Swimming is a great exercise that engages the whole body, it helps improve muscle development, co-ordination, strength, and cardiovascular health. Swimming is a low impact and enjoyable way to stay physically fit. SOCIAL INTERACTION – Swimming lessons provide opportunities for swimmers to socialise. Whether it is 1-1 lesson or a small group lesson, I will create a supportive environment where swimmers can develop social skills and hopefully connect with myself and listen to instructions.
CONFIDENCE & INDEPENDENCE – Learning to swim and mastering new skills can encourage a swimmer’s confidence and self-esteem. Swimming also promotes more independence.
ENJOYMENT & RELAXATION – Swimming can be a source of enjoyment and relaxation. It offers a fun recreational activity for both myself and the family.
EQUALITY – DIVERSITY – INCLUSION

Get Started

Simply fill in your details here and Kim will get back to you. 

Alternatively you call her direct on 07707 617634.

    Testimonials

    Before taking my daughter for lessons with Kim, she was very timid of the water and found herself not wanting to go swimming anymore. Now she can't wait to get in the pool and has become a very confident swimmer. I would highly recommend using Kim for swimming lessons. 

    Tommy

    My son, Archie, started his swimming lessons at a later age of 30 months old. However within a year his confidence improved so much he was jumping in, swimming underwater and even swimming unaided without fear. He now loves his ‘big boy’ class with Kim and treats Kim as a familiar family friend. My baby daughter has now started her lessons with Kim and I just know that her confidence will improve in no time and most importantly she will be swimming unaided within the next couple of years. Kim is a wonderful teacher who is firm but fair with the children... most importantly she will get results enabling them to swim in their early years.

    Kerry/Stewart, Archie and Elsa

    My son has always had an underlying fear of water and was nervous to get back in the water after a long lockdown break!  We have been having private lessons with Kim for the last 3 months (fortnightly) and he is a changed swimmer. He is now very confident, has progressed to swim unaided and is excited for his lessons. We are so happy to have found Kim!

    Laura

    Both of my girls started swimming lessons with Kim at the age of 5 months. Both are able to swim without any aid, thanks to her patience and skill. Kim knows when to support them, and when to push them, because they need it! They always leave swimming lessons with a smile.

    Tanya

    I went to Kim on a recommendation and she has exceeded my expectations. My kids laugh and have fun with her, especially at special times of the year when she brings out all the floats and toys. I can see she is teaching them technique amongst all this fun and it works so well. They are becoming strong, confident swimmers who love the water. Thanks Kim!

    Marianne

    Eddie has loved swimming since he first started lessons at Aqua-babes when he was 3 months old. He is now 16 months old and is thriving in the water thanks to Kim. Her teaching and expertise make the lessons fun whilst Eddie learns swimming skills and safety in the water. It makes us so proud to see his confidence and ability grow with each lesson. Aqua-babes swimming lessons are a highlight of our week and we look forward to watching Eddie's swimming skills develop as he grows older.

    Edward & Lizzie

    My son has been swimming with Aqua-babe since he was 4 months old, he is now 3, swimming without aids and absolutely loves the water, he jumps in off the edge (without fear), seems to prefer being under the water than on the surface and thoroughly enjoys his 30 minutes as I do watching. Bath times are a joy and I ‘m sure it is because he has been to Aqua-babe. Aqua-babe is our favourite part of the week and I’d recommend it to everyone to build their child’s confidence in the water from any early age. His Dad has also experienced such fun and bonding with his son and at the same time learning a life saving skill. We have just started taking his new baby brother , can’t wait for the same reaction!!

    Emma - James, Charlie & William

    Both of my children have been taught to swim by Kim at Aqua-babe, Charlie is now at school and is a little fish, to the astonishment of other parents that watch her floating on her back, diving off the side and retrieving objects from the bottom of the pool. Learning with Kim has not just taught her these things but water sense and safety too. She was not always an easy pupil, but thanks to Kim’s patience and persistence she loves being in the water and is (more importantly to me) safe in and near it. My son Billie, is now following in his sisters “swim strokes” and has made the long journeys every week for me and rewarding and pleasurable experience, thank you Kim

    Anne, Charlie and Billie

    Aqua-Babe– Wouldn’t go anywhere else – Kim has taught all 3 of my children to swim and I wouldn’t trust anyone elseh to do it. Fantastic – not only does Kim teach our little ones to swim without armbands, she also teaches them water safety – what more can you ask for

    Tam, Gillin, Hallin and Syke

    After 5 years and 2 children I regard Kim as part of the family! She has encouraged and supported my little ones through the highs and lows of learning to swim. She has made me feel happy and welcome as both a frightened new mum and as a old time regular. Her techniques are caring yet firm and she has been the major factor in creating two confident little aqua-babes who just adore the water. I can not thank or recommend Kim enough.

    Suzie, Daisy and Georgia

    Aqua-Babe has been fantastic for Alex – he has been going since he was 6 months old and Kim’s learning through repetition and play style for teaching together with her experienced no-nonsense approach to toddler tantrums has been the perfect combination. He is so confident and happy in the water and the fact that he could swim and dive before he went to school together with being very safety aware is all the proof needed. His baby brother Toby is now following suit

    Kirsty – Kev , Alex and Toby