DAY 1 for new swimmers

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We look forward to welcoming your swimmer and the rest of your family to the school.  Here is an overview of things to know before your first session. 

Our lessons are held at St Martin's comprehensive school (Hillside, Caerphilly, CF83 1UW), you can get to the school pool via the main school gates on the hillside entrance or the entrance on St Martins Road.

Please aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your start time, students should arrive "beach ready" meaning bathers/swimsuits on underneath clothes to allow for a smooth experience between incoming and outgoing swimmers. 

Your swimmer will need swimwear, towel and any extras you would take when you go to a public swimming pool.  We have all of the swimming equipment and teaching aids, but we do strongly recommend students to wear googles.  Please tie long hair back 

The girls changing room is located at the front of the building nearest the car park while the boys changing room is at the rear of the building.  In accordance with good safeguarding practice, If your swimmer is under 8 years old (3-7) then they must go in via the changing room appropriate to the person that brings them. If your swimmer is 8 years or older then they must use the appropriate changing room suitable for them. For example, a female parent/guardian may assist her five-year-old son to dress in the girls’ changing area but cannot accompany her nine-year-old son into the boys’ changing area.

When you are ready please walk on to the poolside with your swimmer and introduce yourself to the poolside staff at the desk, they will show you what section/teacher you are booked in with.
 

PLEASE NOTE - Unfortunately there is no viewing area and the school has a strict policy that parents/guardians are not to view the lessons therefor we ask that when your child has been placed in the lesson that you wait in the changing area for the 30 minute class to finish, there will be a whistle blast to indicate a 5 minute warning and the end of the session.  This is for the 1st session only just in case we need you for any reason, ordinarily you are welcome to sit in the changing room, the car or outside on the benches but please be ready to receive your child at the end of the lesson.  Leaving the site is not permitted.
 

We understand that your first day can be stressful and that it can be an emotional experience for the children and the parents, if your child is nervous or a little unwilling this is completely normal and a member of the team will speak with you to discuss the best options. 

Your first lesson is an assessment, it gives us a chance to gain an understanding of your swimmers ability and needs. When we have established what they can do we will assign a badge that we feel would make a good starting point.

Please speak with a member of the poolside team for the outcome
There are 2 outcomes:

1. The class difficulty is appropriate, and your Day/time can be confirmed.
2. The class difficulty is NOT appropriate, and you will be offered an alternative Day/time

Payments must be made at your first session by either cash or contactless payment, when you are re-enrolled for future courses you are welcome to pay via bacs transfer at this time (payment details will be included on rebooking emails)

If the first session doesn't meet your expectations and you do not want to sign up for the term then please tell a member of the poolside team and we will remove your name from the course. 

 Important information/Frequently asked questions
https://dolphinswimschoolcaerphilly.co.uk/important-info%2Ffaqs
 

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