Programmes Offered
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Babies -
Children -
Adults
Calendar
Autumn Term 2024
2 Sep – 20 Dec
Spring Term 2025
6 Jan – 6 Apr
Summer Term 2025
22 Apr – 3 Aug
Autumn Term 2025
1 Sep – 21 Dec
Exclusions
5 May
|
26 May
Lesson Times
Mon-Thu
9:00 - 21:00
Fri
9:00 - 20:30
Sat-Sun
9:00 - 18:00
Book Your Spot
About this location
Swimming Nature's flagship pool first opened in June 2017 and is a privately run Swimming Nature facility. Funded by the Yusuf Islam Foundation (formerly known as Cat Stevens), the old church has been restored from the ground up and contains a state of the art, hermetically sealed swimming pool.
Instructors Available
Alejandro
Alejandro first contact with the swimming world was in his early years. He has been swimming since he was 6 years old, at the school and school’s swimming club, and later moved into teaching young swimmers at summer camps and clubs in Spain, also during summer courses. His love for swimming has never stopped and he has been qualified as a Swimming teacher for more than 6 years in the UK and ever since he has not stopped working on teaching the next generation to be the best swimmers they can be. In summary, he has been swimming for more than half his life and has become more than a hobby, but a way of life!
Dario
Dario has been working in the swimming and physical education sector for the past 10 years. First as a PE teacher in school, then as a swimming teacher in his native Macedonia. He is in line with the Swimming Nature methodology as used with a personalized and tailored approach. He enjoys teaching children of any ages and abilities!
Demir
Born in Bosnia and raised in Austria, I began swimming at the age of seven and continued competitively until I was 20. Swimming has always been more than just a sport for me—it’s a crucial life skill that I believe everyone should learn. This passion led me to become a swimming instructor six years ago, allowing me to share my experience and love for the sport with others. Over the years, I’ve competed in a range of events, from local meets to international championships, gaining invaluable experience and insight into the world of competitive swimming. I enjoy working with adults and teenagers, helping them master their skills and build confidence in the water. What I love most about teaching the Swimming Nature programme is its structured, precise approach, which ensures that each student receives tailored instruction to meet their individual needs. I am also passionate about continuing my own growth as an instructor, and Swimming Nature’s commitment to professional development is one of the key reasons I chose to be part of this team.
Frankie
Frankie began swimming at an early age and never looked back! From swimming lessons to club galas to open water swims she has tried it all. She is qualified to teach swimming to babies from age 3 months through to adults and pre-competition level. Frankie is also a qualified Montessori teacher, teaching in England and has then spent the last 5 years teaching in Vienna where she also gave swimming lessons for a local swimming school. Frankie has worked as a lifeguard and swimming teacher in America, culminating with an open water swim in Fiji. Having experienced swimming in open water, Frankie has taken part in the Scottish and Northern swims in Windermere and enjoyed swimming in Croatia. Now returned to England she is also teaching swimming in a school for children with special needs, gaining a broader teaching experience. What Frankie likes about Swimming Nature is the small class ratios giving time to teach the elements in detail, achieving the end goal of a beautiful stroke
Ingrid
Ingrid, a native of Brazil speaking both Portuguese and English, has been immersed in the world of swimming since the age of 3. Holding Level 2 Teaching Swimming and Level 1 Swimming qualifications, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as a swimming teacher. Ingrid's swimming achievements are marked by numerous medals from national, regional, and international championships. Notably, her proudest achievement is holding the record for medals at the Kurosa championship, an accomplishment spanning her years from 9 to 12 and continuing to this day, over two decades later. Having transitioned from a successful swimming career to law school and subsequently working on a federal government project in Brazil, Ingrid's life took an unexpected turn when she moved to London. Fate led her back to swimming, where she found fulfillment as a qualified swimming teacher, blending her professional background and lifelong passion. Teaching the Swimming Nature Programme holds special significance for Ingrid, bringing her immense joy as she contributes to developing life skills in others. Her preferred age group for teaching is above 4 years old, reflecting her expertise and comfort in working with young learners. Ingrid chose to become a Swimming Nature teacher for the incredible opportunity it offers to build children's confidence in the water. Witnessing their progress and recognizing their capabilities is a source of inspiration and fulfillment in her role as a swimming teacher.
Jelena
I am a candidate for Master of Sports, Member of the Latvian Youth Olympic Swimming Team and gold in the relay at the Baltic Championships for swimming. I do like to Swimming in open water and I like ballet. I Graduated from the University of Economics. Over Nine years of experience in teaching swimming. What I like about Swimming Nature is he training scheme/ method is clearly thought out and easy to understand and are very effective. I like to work with both beginners and already experienced swimmers but, I think my swimming experience is more revealed to the more skilled participants. I look forward to teaching the Swimming Nature method to all my children.
Jeremy
Joao
Jon
I learnt to swim at Aireborough Swimming Club, Guiseley and went on to compete for them at district level, later swimming for City of Leeds. I was the swim captain for my school during my time there. I began volunteer coaching when I was 14, and became a fully qualified coach in 2009. I have since taught in both public and private settings in England, France and Slovakia. In 2011 I moved to France and began working as a Lifeguard while training for my BEESAN (maître de bassin) qualification. During my time there I became the manager of an aquatic park and started my own swim school, instructing both locals and tourists, and worked on my style of coaching. In 2016 I returned to England to pursue a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Management and Renewable Technology whilst continuing to coach. I now work as a private swimming coach in London. What I like about Swimming Nature is their approach to teaching swimming, specifically not using floats or noodles. The way lessons are structured, beginning with core practice and then expanding into one aspect of a stroke really helps beginners to develop correct techniques before they begin swimming longer distances. I honestly enjoy teaching all ages; as my background is in racing and coaching rather than teaching, I prefer higher levels, but it is incredibly important to get the correct understanding of strokes as early as possible. Teaching younger children is great fun and always interesting, coaching older children and adults is equally as rewarding. The main enjoyment for me is watching my students progress, push themselves and develop into strong and fast swimmers, as well as developing skills and knowledge that transfers into other sports and areas of life.
Laura
I began swimming at the age of four and was deeply involved in football and rugby. After a knee injury from football, I turned to swimming more seriously, eventually becoming a lifeguard. My enjoyment of interacting with people and helping them improve their swimming led me to pursue a career as a swimming instructor. I have been a qualified Swimming Teacher since 2022 and am certified at Level 2. In addition to swimming, I studied zoology at university and work as an artist manager and event coordinator. My diverse interests include football, music, and a love for animals, with pizza being my favourite food. What I value about teaching with Swimming Nature is the genuine dedication to making lessons enjoyable, safe, and effective. The focus on progressive learning ensures that each child advances at their own pace. I particularly enjoy teaching toddlers, especially in the Frogs and Seals stages. I chose to become a Swimming Nature teacher because my skills and passion align with their approach, and I take pride in contributing to such a vital life skill.
Maria
Maria has been swimming since a young age and never looked back! She has been passionate about teaching for a very long time and she has been teaching in the UK within sports centres and swimming clubs. Maria appreciates better the small class size of the Swimming Nature methodology as she believes that it contributes to a higher quality of teaching and to a tailored attention. She enjoys teaching any ages and abilities!
Matheus
Since I was young I have loved water, swimming, or just relaxing in it, and for a long time, I used it as a way to relax. When I was in high school, I participated in a lot of swimming competitions, and it was one of the best moments of my life. As soon as I start looking for a job, I looked for ways to help or assist others, already working as a waiter and a construction assistant, and then I discover about Swimming Nature and the different ways that they teach swimming, and get amazed with it, I started to teach, and want to keep teaching and learning more. I like that Swimming Nature tries to focus on improving each learner in a way that they can have all the support from their teacher, assisting in everything. I like teaching older children when they are new to swimming and helping them lose their fear of it. I'd like to have learners with special needs because I need to approach them in different ways and can give all my attention to them. With Swimming Nature, I can improve my abilities in teaching, and learn a new way of doing it. Also to learn a lot about swimming that I never knew before.
Mathusaan
Hi, my name is Mathusaan. I've been a swimming teacher for two years, but I've been swimming for as long as I can remember. I began my career in the pool as a lifeguard during 6th Form, and quickly transitioned to teaching because that's where my passion lies. I find it incredibly rewarding to see my students make progress while making lessons fun and engaging. I'm a keen teacher who is always looking to improve my methods and develop my skills as an instructor. Currently, I'm studying medicine at university, which reinforces my belief in the health benefits of swimming for everyone. I think swimming is an essential life skill and a great way to stay active, so I'm committed to making it accessible to all, regardless of age or ability. Teaching beginners is like guiding them through a journey of overcoming challenges and trying new things. It's rewarding to see their smiles when they conquer difficulties and no longer fear the water. Attention to detail at this stage ensures that progress in later levels is smoother. A solid foundation now leads to a seamless transition into higher levels, preventing bad habits and supporting a more successful swimming journey.
Natalie
Natalie began swimming at the age of 8, quickly advancing through all levels and earning distance badges due to her natural confidence in the water. By 14, she transitioned from advancing her own skills to assisting with lower-level swimming lessons. After completing her swimming qualifications at 18, Natalie started teaching swimming lessons to individuals of all ages and abilities. She also spent four years as a sports leader at a special needs summer program, working one-on-one with children with physical disabilities and special educational needs. Later, Natalie taught swimming for three years at a leisure center, focusing on children, adults, and one-on-one sessions with special needs children. Upon returning home, she took on a daily teaching role at a local swim school, where she also manages administrative duties. She enjoys various sports, including tennis, badminton, and golf. Natalie values the Swimming Nature program for its personalized approach, allowing her to connect with students and ensure they develop strong swimming skills. She loves teaching all ages and abilities, finding joy in helping each child achieve their best.
Thais
Thais, originally from Brazil, has immersed herself in the world of swimming instruction with a dedication that spans over a decade. Her linguistic versatility, speaking both English and Portuguese, enhances her ability to connect with a diverse range of students. Thais' swimming qualifications include STA Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, along with Safety Award for Teachers and training in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults. She has also achieved proficiency as a WaterBabies teacher. Her journey as a swimming instructor began in 2010 in the UK, and her focus has predominantly been on child development, particularly aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This strategic approach not only facilitates children's swimming progress but also employs EYFS principles to create a conducive learning environment. Becoming a mother has heightened her appreciation for EYFS, embedding its principles into her lessons. Thais' involvement in swimming was sparked when she witnessed baby swimming lessons during her tenure as a nanny. This ignited her passion for teaching, leading her to embrace the challenge of instructing both children and adults. Her commitment to helping students overcome traumatic experiences in the water exemplifies her empathetic approach. Thais strongly believes in the effectiveness of the Swimming Nature methodology, particularly the focus on individualized attention through 1:2:1 or 2:2:1 lesson structures. Her enthusiastic teaching style, encapsulating the essence of "Swim Beautifully," incorporates playful elements like using animals to communicate different skill levels. Her love for teaching is palpable in every lesson, a sentiment amplified by her dedication to her role at Swimming Nature since 2014. Thais's personal life is also a testament to her vibrant spirit, as she cherishes moments spent with her toddler son during swimming lessons and leisurely walks with her dog. Thais Silveira O'Brien's journey as a swimming instructor blends expertise, passion, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing young swimmers, making her a valuable member of the Swimming Nature team.
Thomas
I have been swimming for most of my life! I found my love for swimming in my early teens where I discovered my passion for the water, particularly butterfly stroke. I was the fastest 50-metre butterfly swimmer in the UK at the age of 16. I am friendly, patient and enthusiastic about facilitating people of all ages to gain swimming skills, however, I feel strongly about enabling younger swimmers with disabilities to become confident in the water and find their own love for swimming. I am passionate about fitness, reflective in my education pathway in sports science. I am excited to be working with Swimming Nature as their approach to teaching swimming is unique, encouraging a happy lifelong relationship with water.
Victor Manuel
Victor, originally from Honduras and fluent in English, Spanish, and Catalan, brings a wealth of swimming experience and a passion for teaching to the Swimming Nature Programme. With qualifications such as STA Level 2 and NPLQ, Victor has been immersed in the world of swimming since childhood, making it an integral part of his life. He officially became a qualified swimming teacher in 2023, marking the culmination of his training, which began in 2020 during the pandemic. Beyond his swimming expertise, Victor has a notable sporting achievement, having played rugby for 13 years and represented the Catalan national under-16 team. His diverse interests extend to the arts, including painting, illustration, music, and photography. Staying active is a priority for Victor, and he engages in activities like bouldering, running, and, of course, swimming. Reading has become a cherished pastime, reflecting his multifaceted personality. Victor's passion for people is a driving force in his life. Having overcome personal challenges, he understands the value of support and aims to be a positive influence in the lives of those around him. His aspiration is to become an exceptional swimming teacher and eventually establish a school in Honduras, where many children lack access to swimming lessons. Victor's commitment to teaching and his desire to make a difference align with the Swimming Nature program's ethos. He enjoys teaching individuals across age groups and proficiency levels, showcasing his versatility as an instructor. Choosing to become a Swimming Nature teacher reflects Victor's broader goal of creating positive change. He envisions impacting the lives of children by providing them with essential swimming skills.
Pool Size
6m x 15m
Pool Depth
1m - 1.35m
Pool Temp
31.5°C
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I bring to a lesson?Please bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles and a swim cap. For babies, you’ll need one disposable swim nappy and one happy nappy (or equivalent).
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What happens if I miss a lesson?If you notify us at least 24 hours in advance, we can cancel the lesson and credit you with a ‘make-up’ lesson. Contact us as soon as possible to reschedule.
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Are there any rules I should be aware of?Yes, all swimmers must shower before entering the pool. Parents/guardians are required to supervise children outside of lesson times. Food and drinks (other than water) are not permitted on the poolside.
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What are the pool's water temperature and depth?Check out the information provided above for details on this specific pool’s water temperature and depth.
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How long are the lessons at this pool?Lessons at this pool are typically 30 minutes long. This allows for focused, quality instruction while keeping students engaged and energised.
Building a natural bond with water
Our award-winning Swimming Nature method makes learning to swim a natural,
relaxed and fun experience with easily recognisable results.
The best way to learn to swim
We go beyond teaching and build a natural bond with water for life. Our
unique method has made Swimming Nature the most popular and most respected private swimming tuition
provider in the UK.
We’d love to hear from you!
After more than 30 years there isn't a question we haven't been asked about swimming. Luckily we never
tire of answering.
Business Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 - 18:00
Saturday
9:00 - 13:00
Business Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 - 18:00
Saturday
9:00 - 13:00