I’m desperately trying to get my (just) four year old swimming lessons on the weekend. I had planned to enrol him when he turned three, but with Covid this was delayed and then I discovered it’s so hard to get a space.
He’s pretty confident swimmer as I’ve taken him since young and I think would love weekly lessons.
We’ve been taking ours boys to St Dunstan’s for a while now, it’s more expensive then FH pools it has to be said, but it’s been overall very good. They are terrible with a capital T admin wise, but all the swim teachers bar 1 have been excellent. I’ve forgotten some names but we have particularly liked Tess, Imelda, Francis and Orville with whom the kids have all progressed well.
We got midweek which I am sure has space (or people don’t turn up), unsure on weekends which we used to do and were definitely busy.
I expect you will need to call and chase (they are great once you get them on the phone!)
Ah thank you. I’ll give them a ring. That might be just the ticket. I’m so desperate
We are in pretty much exactly the same boat as you… it’s very hard to find swimming lessons at the moment and so far we haven’t succeeded though did make it to a Family Splash session at West Wickham the other weekend (we booked a week in advance for that!).
If you don’t get a response next week let me know and I will try and see if I can find someone on reception when I go in (or you can try walking up but sometimes no-one is there).
Dealing with St Dunstans swimming office is one of the most frustrating experiences imaginable.
When you manage to get hold of someone they seem to give you different information every time, much of what does not fit with what you were previously told.
Thank you so much. I’d be so grateful. I’ve dropped them an email and will try calling next week. I’ll post an update here if I hear anything. Thank you all.
You could try Aquatots who do lessons in Catford. They’ve restarted theirs a few weeks ago although I’m not sure if they do weekend lessons at the moment.
Ah thank you! I think I did enquire just before the pandemic but seem to remember they were pretty expensive compared to others so thought I’d enquire elsewhere then lockdown hit. Desperate times and all… might have to enquire again.
I was at St Dunstans last weekend when someone visited the office to enquire about swimming lessons, and was told that there is currently a waiting list that they expect to take until Christmas to clear at the earliest.
Ah… that may explain why I never got a response to my own enquiry!
Seems odd - there are just 2 people in each of my kids lessons (as in my child +1), but maybe people are paying and not turning up, or not accepting these slots (which are late in fairness).
@pea what stage is your child at, if you know?
He has had no formal lessons (other than when he was a newborn) but I used to swim a lot pre kids so I’ve taught him myself. Had always planned to start him age 3 for the ‘pre - school’ lessons. He’s just turned 4.
He’s kicking his legs and trying to use his arms to propel himself doggy paddle style… will happily go on my back for a ‘whale ride’ etc. Just needs someone that’s not his Mum telling him what to do 
. Frustrating as I feel like he’d be swimming already without a float if we hadn’t had Covid. Sure I’ll get him there but think a lesson would be more fun/ structured.
If you do go next week and there is opportunity to ask in all the mayhem of kids swimming, let me know if you manage to get a contact! Thanks so much.
I know exactly what you mean - to be honest as others have alluded to above, the admin of St Dunstans’ swimming lessons does leave a bit to be desired, and there’s probably every chance that you could find a way in, if you manage to speak to someone.
I’d also recommend Aquatots. I can’t speak as a parent, but friends with kids who’ve done their courses speak very highly of them. I do, however, know the people who own/run it and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. Very serious about what they do, with high standards, and nice with it. (The guy in charge of teacher training taught me to scuba dive about 20 years ago, so I can vouch for him personally – brilliant instructor.)
https://aquatots.com
Am here now. They said all pre-school, stage 1 and stage 2 are fully booked and they have effectively closed the waiting list.
He did mention they move people’s credit they had from lockdown to now which might explain a full class with less actual kids in it.
Anyway he said weeks and weeks at least but to keep asking periodically.
Sorry!
Thanks for trying 
I feel quite sad about this. It’s the same everywhere. Will try aquatots.
Managed to get a space at Forest Hill pools. On their website they list all the classes and you sign up there. Think there is still one more space.