FAQs

Our classes are 30 minutes.

Subject to availability you can join our classes part way through a term. You will be charged for the number of classes left in the term.

The NHS guidelines state that there is no risk to babies and you may join classes at any time. (information from www.immunisation.com) If you have any questions please consult your GP or health visitor.

So that you can enjoy your classes and make your time with us stress free, please arrive 15 minutes before your class is due to begin to give yourself plenty of time to get changed and stay relaxed.

You will need to bring with you:

• Swim nappies.  Please remember that until your baby is reliably potty trained they must wear properly fitting swim nappies. We cannot let you in the pool otherwise. A double layer is needed – this essentially means a disposable swim nappy + specialised swim nappy (such as a Happy Nappy). We sell Happy Nappies at the pool.
• A hat or hood that covers your child’s ears for when they leave the building.
• A hooded towel for when they get out of the pool.
• Your swimming kit.
• A drink and/or snack for after the class for your baby (and probably you too!) – but please remember not to eat in the changing rooms.

Please remember that until your baby is reliably potty trained they must wear properly fitting swim nappies. We cannot let you in the pool otherwise. A double layer is needed – this essentially means a disposable swim nappy + specialised swim nappy (such as a Happy Nappy). We sell Happy Nappies at the pool for £10. The Happy Nappy prevents leakage. Disposable swim nappies and traditional cloth nappies are not effective in stopping leaks into pools. 

Swimming is unlikely to worsen a mild condition such as a cold.

It is not advisable to bring your baby swimming if they have a bad cold, an infection of any kind, a temperature or a childhood illness such as: chicken pox, measles or mumps.

People suffering from diarrhoea must not swim, EVER – or for 48 hours after the last bout. This is crucial and will never be compromised on in our pool. The effects on the pool from a leak or contamination can be devastating and we wish to avoid this at all times. Those who have been diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis must not swim for 14 days after diarrhoea has stopped, as infective spores can still be released in that period.

If you are not sure about any medical condition in relation to swimming, please always speak to a health professional.

With babies it is often difficult to organise activities for exactly the right time of day especially as routines can change week to week. It is fine to feed your young baby before or even during a class. For babies on solids it is preferable to leave some time before coming to class. Many babies enjoy a feed or snack after their swim. Tired babies will not get the most from their swim so try to give them a nap beforehand or do not hesitate to leave the pool if your baby has had enough.

Yes, we're happy for your partner to come and watch the class.

It’s so lovely to have a photo memory of your time in the water and we are happy for someone on poolside to take a photo of you and your child. There are some important guidelines that need to be followed so we can continue to allow photographs to be taken.

• Only a small discreet camera or a phone can be used
• No Flash photography
• The photo is only of you and your family, not the group
• No cameras are allowed in the water
• Just a few photos, not continuously through the session

Every child’s development is different and their physical strength and capabilities will vary. Birthlight babies will develop a love and understanding of the water and from a young age will be able to move freely with minimal support. We teach without armbands mainly supporting the babies with our hands and body with the fun use of floats and swim noodles. Babies learn to feel their own buoyancy and to propel themselves across the pool. Always remember there are learning curves and plateaus, just relax and have fun.

• You must shower yourself and your child before entering the water. The cleaner we keep the pool, the less chemicals are needed in the water.
• Shoes and socks should be removed before entering the swimming pool area and changing rooms.
• Whilst waiting for your class or if you are watching the session, please talk quietly and stay away from the edge of the pool. This helps to keep the atmosphere calm and relaxed, especially for the young babies.
For all the children’s safety please do not sit on the steps or enter the water until invited in by your teacher.

Children at High Five feel at home in the water because we always listen to them, respect their wishes and respond to their needs. The philosophy behind submersion is clear: babies, with proper nurturing and care, have a spontaneous and relaxed relationship with water. Our swimming classes offer a perfect opportunity to develop this and allow parents and babies time to bond. We teach how to understand your baby’s signals and reflexes, understanding when the time is right to submerge underwater together. This is done gradually and at the pace of both you and your baby.

Once your baby can swim back to the edge after jumping into the pool, in principal they have become water-safe, but it will take a few more months to consolidate their safety skills. You need to remain watchful. Swimming toddlers are often at risk from becoming over-confident. During the transition period when infants start to swim unaided but cannot quite surface to breathe, extra caution is needed at all times.