But for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), traditional swimming lessons can sometimes present unexpected challenges. That’s where the Starfish Swimming Programme comes in.
Designed to provide smaller class sizes, a relaxed structure, and a personalised approach to swimming tuition, Starfish helps children develop at their own pace while building confidence both in and out of the pool. We spoke to some of the families taking advantage of the programme, as well as our teachers, to hear how Starfish is making a difference.
Harry’s swimming journey began when he was just a few months old, in parent-and-child lessons. From there, he progressed into Worsley Pool’s mainstream classes. But, it quickly became apparent that Harry was struggling to settle into his lessons. The larger group setting and busy poolside, wasn’t quite the right environment for him to learn. Claire, the lead teacher at Worsley, then recommended Starfish; a move that proved to be life-changing.
Starfish has allowed Harry to work at his own pace. The smaller classes mean that the lessons are better suited to him, and the teachers can work more one-to-one with each of the children. He’s also with other children who understand him.
One of the most important differences for Harry was a more relaxed learning environment.
The Starfish programme takes away a lot of the stress of the set stages. The children can still work towards badges and have something to aim for, but it’s a much more relaxed structure.
For Harry, that support has made all the difference.
In larger groups, it’s easy for children like Harry to get a little lost. The more someone engages with Harry, the more he gives back, so having teachers who know him so well and understand him means he can get the very best out of each session.
Nine years on, Harry has flourished in Starfish, so much so that he is now looking to progress into squad swimming. His mother has said that the support of teacher Becky, and SEND swimming coordinator Olivia has been vital in preparing him for the next steps in his swimming journey. She said:
It’s hard to remember a time when he wasn’t swimming. Ever since his first Starfish session, we’ve never looked back!
For David, swimming has not always been a positive experience.
When he first started, he was terrified of the water
says his mum, Nosa.
We started with one-to-one lessons to begin with, and I even got in the pool with him. I was having my own 1:1 swimming lessons too, so that I could support him the best I could
Even with all of Nosa’s dedication to David’s swimming journey, she has been grateful for the extra support that Starfish lessons has offered.
As a working mum of six, it was hard to give him the extra attention he needed.
That’s when Starfish made a difference. With tailored support and patient teaching, David’s confidence began to grow.
It’s given him something he loves, something he can work on, and something that helps him build confidence
Nosa explained.
Swimming has also had an impact on David that goes far beyond the pool:
Before Starfish, if David was finding something difficult, he could get very emotional. Now he’s learned how to express himself better and ask for help. It’s been wonderful to see that change.
Kishan’s journey with Starfish began nearly two decades ago. When his family moved from London to Worsley, his school recommended the programme, and he has been attending ever since. Now 23, Kishan continues to swim almost every week.
His mum says:
We’ve never left the sessions. There’s such a gap in provision for older children and young adults with SEND, so Starfish has been vital. It’s not just the swimming, it’s the social side too. It’s the community we have found here
The programme has helped Kishan make friendships that extend beyond the pool, something his mum values just as much as his swimming progress.
For me as a parent, the support has been huge too. We’ve built friendships with other parents, shared knowledge of services, and been there for each other. That kind of network is invaluable.
Over the years, Kishan’s family have also recommended Starfish to many other parents.
It’s such a unique and important provision. We’ve told loads of people about it!
The newest member of the Starfish family we spoke to was Elijah. Elijah’s love of water was always clear, and swimming was ‘in his blood’ as his father was a successful competitive swimmer. However, mainstream lessons just didn’t work for him. Larger groups were overwhelming, and he struggled to focus and progress. That changed when he joined the Starfish programme just a few months ago.
We were amazed at how quickly he started to progress. Elijah really benefits from the smaller classes where he can get the attention he needs.
His water confidence has grown rapidly, and more importantly, he has learned the water safety skills to back up that confidence.
He’ll say things like, ‘If I fall into the water I can just swim up like Debbie has showed me’.
His mum, Sam says.
For Elijah, swimming is now not only something he loves, but it’s also providing an important life skill.
Sam added:
The extra time and attention has helped him get so much more out of his lessons. And it’s still affordable. We pay the same direct debit as anyone else. For families like ours, that makes such a difference.
For the teachers who lead the Starfish sessions, the programme can be both rewarding and offer benefits they were never expecting.
Debbie explained:
The best thing about Starfish is the smaller class size. It gives us the opportunity to get to know the kids and work out what works for them. We can put together personalised lessons that address each child’s needs. The environment is calmer, safer, and more relaxed, and that makes a huge difference.
Her colleague Sam added:
Working with the Starfish programme has helped me improve as a teacher. You learn different ways to address barriers and new ways to teach, because what works for one child won’t necessarily work for another. We teach both in groups and one-to-one, so you’re always developing your skills.
For both teachers, the most rewarding part is seeing the impact.
It’s really rewarding seeing the children, who might not otherwise ever have been able swim; learn, progress, and feel proud of their achievements
says Debbie.
What shines through from every story is that Starfish is about so much more than just swimming lessons. It’s about providing a safe space where children with SEND can work and progress at their own pace, where parents feel supported, and where confidence can grow both in and out of the pool.
For Harry’s family, it’s been a nine year journey of progress . For David, it’s been about discovering a passion and a way to express himself. For Kishan, it’s provided a lifelong community. And for Elijah, it’s a new chapter; bringing with it confidence and safety in the water.
The one thing all the parents seem to agree on is:
We’ve never looked back.
Thanks to Starfish, the water is no longer a place of fear or insecurity. It is a place that brings joy, achievement, and a sense of belonging.
👉 Find out more about the Starfish SEN Swimming Programme
👉 Find out more about our Inclusive Family Swim Sessions at Worsley and Irlam
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