We have two options for our disability lessons:
Additional Needs Beginners & Improvers
These classes take place alongside other swimming lessons, and are suitable for children aged 5+ with no experience in the water who may be diagnosed or awaiting diagnosis of an additional needs.
Additional Needs Beginners - covers Swim England Stages 1-2 of the Learn to Swim Framework and focuses initially on water confidence and basic movement skills and breathing practices. An adult may enter the water with the child to give additional support if required. You do not need an assessment to book onto this class.
Additional Needs Improvers - Assessment required prior to booking. These lessons are suitable for children aged 5+ with no experience in the water who may be diagnosed or awaiting diagnosis of an additional need. Improver covers stage 3-5 of the Learn to Swim Framework and focuses on body position, swimming 10m and introduces Breaststroke and Butterfly legs. Don't forget to book an assessment before enrolling into this class.
Disability Hub
Our hub lessons are designed to provide a low sensory environment for children aged 5-16yrs. An adult is required to enter the water with the child to give additional support. Swimmers will work towards the STA Rockhoppers awards.
To join either of the aforementioned classes, please contact our Customer Services Team on 0113 3760398 to enrol on to the waiting list, please identify which of the above lessons when making contact. You will then be required to complete the “swimming lesson adaption form” and send via email to disabilityhubs@leeds.gov.uk. Once a space becomes available a member of the team will be in touch.
Customer testimonials
"I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helps provide the disabled young people's swimming lessons. Since starting in December last year, my nine-year-old ASC son has not only learned to swim but to socialise. James has received his first ever party invite for a friend's birthday and he had a great time there. But most importantly you have provided us with an activity which provides me and James with quality 1:1 time, which we both look forward to every single week. Thank you so much."
"Our son who is four-years-old has Autism. As a result he really struggles with crowded places, bright lights and does not like water on his head/face. In September 2015 he has started disability swimming lessons at Fearnville Leisure Centre. From the outset the instructors have been really friendly and patient with him, allowing him to progress at his own pace without any pressure to undertake certain activities and have even altered their lessons to meet his abilities and sensory difficulties, whilst constantly trying different ways of getting him to try new things. Whilst progress has been slow, their patience means he has gradually developed his increased confidence in the water. He will now jump in, put his head in the water and kick his legs and he now enjoys his time in the swimming pool. We would recommend these sessions to other children with similar disabilities."
"Jude is an eight-year-old boy with Global Developmental Delay. He has learning disabilities and cannot walk yet. Swimming benefits Jude physically - he can walk in water, which he cannot do on land. By swimming he is building strength in his legs and arms. Also, it is great fun. He has made new friends and it's great therapy."