Ready, Steady, Splash Swim School launches new swim courses for children at Nairn Hydro
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TWO swimming teachers are kicking off 2023 by launching a new programme of inclusive classes for children in Nairn.
Founded by independent instructors Kayleigh McDine and Michelle McCaughtrie, the Ready, Steady, Splash Swim School will see instructors Kayleigh and Michelle offering classes aimed at children aged only a few months up to seven-years-old at Nairn Hydrotherapy Pool this January.
Starting this January, the classes will also be focussing on supporting children on the autism spectrum and children with specific learning needs by offering a calm and relaxed environment as well as giving the chance to parents and carers to actively attend the class.
Ms McDine said: “I just feel really lucky to have found this pool, I think it will be great for this community.
“Unfortunately on mainstream classes often some children are excluded because the parent or carer is not able to come in the pool with them, so it was important for us to offer this support.
“That was my main inspiration behind the class – both my little girls are autistic and I know that just the logistics of swimming lessons usually do not allow for family to accompany the children.
“The Nairn Hydro is perfect for this because it’s a quiet, warm and friendly environment so we are very grateful to have found this venue. With them being a registered charity as well, it’s just an ideal partnership and we are looking into other ways in which we can do more fundraising.
“For us, it was really important to find a place as Nairn Hydro, who are a charity and focussed on serving the community.
“We are now looking at ways in which we can secure funding for the autism-friendly lessons – I know that for many children the cost of swimming lessons can be a barrier so we are just trying to keep moving forwards and be as inclusive as we can be.
“The school will donate one per cent of all swim lesson fees to MFR Cash for Kids as well as host seasonal themed Splash Sessions and our Summer Pyjama Week, we tie into the STA’s Water Safety week in aid of MFR Cash for Kids.”
Ms McDine, who is based in Forres, will specialise in lessons for small babies and children up to three, whereas Ms McCaughtrie, who was previously working as an instructor in Aberdeen, will offer classes during the week for children aged three to seven.
The swim schools will also offer first aid training to parents, carers, children and staff in schools, nurseries and local businesses.
You can find more information about the courses at readysteadysplash.co.uk or by emailing enrollreadysteadysplash@gmail.com.
