Swim School Classes

Swimming lessons for babies and toddlers

Lessons are taught by highly qualified swim instructors using the latest techniques in swim teaching. The classes are broken down into age and ability

The following classes are available:

Tadpole

This class is for are very youngest babies up to 6 months of age. The class is designed to get parent and baby used to the water and to build confidence. Age range is from 4 weeks to six months.

Seahorse

This class will continue to get your baby used to water and we will be getting them to use their hands and feet. They will start to learn how to hold on to the side independently. Age range is from approximately 7 months to 12 months.

Starfish

This class is for children who are developing their water confidence. They will be encouraged to develop their hand and eye coordination and be able to move around the pool by developing skills. Safety around water is developed in this class. Age range 12 months to 24 months.

Turtle

This class is for the independent toddler who wants to try new things in the water. They will be encouraged to ask questions about the water and how to get around in a confident way. Age range is 24 months to 36 months.

Octopus

In this class we think about body position in the water and improving §breath control. Children will be able to link moves together and move towards independent swimming. In this class we encourage independent swimming so parents will often watch from poolside and will not necessarily get into the water with their child. Age range is 36 months to 48 months.

Puffin

This class is for school age children who have not fully mastered independant swimming yet but are confident and comfortable in the water. Children will begin to develop stroke technique, correct breath control and will have mastered basic leg action. In this class they will be working towards being able to swim without aids for between 5 and 10 m and working towards their Swim England awards at Stage 1 and 2.

Swan

This class is for children who are 6 to 7 years old who are beginning their swimming journey. They will already be able to swim approximately 10 to 20 meters but will need support with their water confidence as well as experimenting with different strokes and breathe control. They will continue to develop their ongoing stroke work. They should be working towards Swim England Stage 3 in this class.

Mallard

Mallards will usually be 7 years of age and above. They will be able to swim between 10 meters and 25 meters unaided. During these sessions the children will retrieve objects from the bottom of the pool as well as collecting a variety of floating objects. They will develop underwater confidence by swimming through hoops and other larger floating objects. They will also continue to develop their stroke work. The aim is for children in this class to achieve the Swim England Stage 4 and 5 award.

Sea Lion

This class is for school age children from 4 years of age and above who are complete beginners and have, as yet, not learnt to swim. Your child will learn the basic rules of pool safety including entering and exiting the water safely. They will learn to feel confident in the water, both on their front and back. Children will be introduced to front and back paddle as well as breast stroke and leg kick. They will be working towards being able to swim without aids for 2 meters as well as the Swim England Awards - Duckling 1 - 4.

About the Pool

The pool is ideal for learners as it is 1.2 meters deep throughout. It is also great for Aqua Fit because no one should be out of their depth during these classes. It is 10 metres long so is super for ‘lane’ swimmers too.

The Pool is a warm and inviting place for learning to swim. The temperature is kept at 33 °C and all our swimmers comment on how lovely it is to enter a pool and not come out freezing! The room temperature is kept at one degree lower than the water temperature, so if you are coming to spectate wear light clothing!

When we built the pool in 2002 and wanted to bring a bit of the seaside to Cranfield, so we instructed a local artist to capture Southwold in Suffolk on the walls along one side of the Pool House.

Additional Features

‘Roman End’ for easy access to and from the water
Two well equipped changing areas with baby changing mats and travel cots
Ample luxury showering facilities
Toilet
Fluffy bath mats
A very extensive range of teaching aids and floatation devices for both our Adult and Child classes
Beautiful artwork and vaulted ceiling inside the Pool House
Plenty of viewing areas for non swimmers and spectators
Patio area for warmer days
Non slip pool surround
Clean, inviting and warm environment for changing before and after your swim!

See our history page to find out about the history of the farm and the Howe family.

Parking

We ask all visitors to Hartwell Farm to park in the yard and not on Court Road, as there is ample parking on site.

Swimming at Hartwell Farm in Cranfield

Happy Nappies!

If your baby or toddler is still in nappies, you will need to use a 'double wrap' nappy system when you swim with us.

Pool Timetable

Term Dates 2025/26

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Term 5

Term 6