1.     WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE FIRST LESSON?

• Please follow the map in 'How to find Merrow' if you need to use the changing rooms, please read the 'Pool and Vistior Etiquette'

• Arriving "Pool ready" is preferable.  Once pool ready, please wait in the viewing gallery. 

• The teacher will wave, from the water to you through the viewing gallery window when they are ready for the next class.

• The class will be 30 minutes long. The teacher will encourage your child to stay in the water for the duration of the class so it would be great to use the toilet before class.

2.     HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THEIR FIRST SWIMMING LESSON?

• Talk you your child about their first lesson in advance of the class – explain that they are going to be in the class with the teacher and other children.

• Discuss how much fun they will have in the pool.

• It can be useful before the first lesson to arrive in time to view the previous lesson in action and allow your child a taster of what to expect.

3.     HOW LONG IS EACH SWIMMING LESSON?

• All classes last 30 minutes. 

4.     HOW MANY SWIMMERS WILL THERE BE IN EACH CLASS?

• 4 students per class. 

• Once a child reaches Angelfish, there maybe 5 students per lesson, this depends on age and ability. This will be decided by the teacher at their discretion. 

5.     WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO SWIMMING LESSONS FOR MY CHILD?

• Swimming costume/ trunks (no baggy shorts or bikinis)

• Towel

• Goggles

• Rash Vest (some children get cold in their lesson and like to wear a tight fitting rash vest)

• Swimming cap or hair tied back

6.     DO I HAVE TO ENTER THE POOL WITH MY CHILD?

• No, parents do not enter the pool for any of our classes. Parents should sit in the viewing gallery.

7.     CAN WE ARRANGE A TRIAL LESSON TO GAUGE IF MY CHILD WILL LIKE LESSONS?

• Due to our set class ratio's it is not possible to arrange trial lessons with Merrow.  We do however offer a 10-15min assessment if you are unsure of which level they should be in.  If you are brand new to swimming and lessons you will not need an assessment, just follow the questions on the registration form.

8.     HOW CAN I SUPPORT MY CHILD WITH LEARNING TO SWIM?

• Encourage them to enjoy their lessons – lessons should be fun as well as developing skills.

• Try not to push your child too much – children do not all learn to swim at the same rate. Some children struggle with certain skills and it is important to ensure that a child is confident and ready to progress before they are pushed up to the next class.

• Watch your child’s lesson and enjoy seeing them progress – do not interrupt the class with your instructions. It is important that they learn to understand and respect the instructions being given to them by their teacher.

• All children will receive a certificate and/or badge at the end of each term. Make sure your child knows that you are happy with their progress. Some levels are harder to achieve and it is important not to get disheartened if your child does not get the next award.

9.  WHAT DO I DO IF MY CHILD IS UNWELL AND UNABLE TO ATTEND THEIR LESSON?

• Please contact us ASAP via email merrowswim@gmail.com

• Term Time Lessons that cannot be attended, will be classed as missed lessons. As we are new and restricted by space and teachers, we can only offer  "Catch Up" lessons to private one to one students if there is availability .  We do not have a system in place at present for class lessons.  If your child cannot attend lessons due to medical reasons and will miss more than 4 consecutive lessons, as a gesture of goodwill we may refund 50% of the missed lessons upon their return to the pool. Simply send an email with a medical note and we can arrange this for you.  

• Summer Intensive Courses (July&Aug) will not have a "Catch Up" system due to the nature of the course.  Any missed days cannot be caught up or reimbursed, as we still need to pay for the hire of the pool and teachers, regardless of attendance.  If you have paid for an intensive week and can no longer attend (the entire week) due to ill health or injury we may refund 50%.  Simply send an email with a medical note and we can arrange this for you.

10.  HOW MANY WEEKS ARE THERE IN A TERM?

• As we try to follow the Northern Ireland school term dates the number of weeks in each term will vary depending on the time of year. We will however publish the term dates on social media and emails for the full year. 

11.  HOW DO I REBOOK?

• A rebooking email will be sent out near the end of every term, alongside communication regarding your child’s class for the upcoming term.

• You will receive one week priority booking to secure your child’s space in the new term. Payment is required to secure the space at that time.

12.  HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY CHILD TO LEARN TO SWIM?

• Every child is different. The rate at which your child learns to swim depends on a lot of different factors such as how old they are when they start, how well they can understand and comprehend instructions and how often they swim outside of lessons etc.

13.  WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO MERROW STAFF HOLD?

• All Merrow staff hold industry recognised STA qualifications, as well as child protection certificates.

• Most of the team also hold additional NPLQ lifeguarding, first aid and other sporting qualifications or a water safety course.

14.  WHO DO I CONTACT IF I NEED MORE INFORMATION?

• You can email merrowswim@gmail.com

18.  CAN I TAKE PHOTOS OF MY CHILD DURING THEIR LESSON?

• In accordance with child protection guidelines and venue rules we regret that you are unable to take photos or film your child during their lesson. For further information please see our terms and conditions.

19. WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH TERM? 

• Yes, every child receives a certificate at the end of each term, however this does not necessarily mean they will move to the next ability group. 

20. ARE CLASSES SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN WITH SEN?

• Lessons are group based with up to five children per class, at times,  and require children to have the ability to be independent in the water and able to take instructions from our teachers on how to stay safe.  We don’t currently offer SEN or disability specific group sessions at the minute; however, we have one-to-one lessons on offer which may be suitable. Please contact us should you wish to discuss any information specific to your child.