Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the FAQs that we receive from parents.

Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before the start of the lesson to ensure poolside does not become too busy. Due to covid-19 regulations you may be asked to wait in the changing area until the previous class has finished.
The teacher will come and call your child’s name when it is time for their class.
Try to encourage your child to go to their class with the teacher.
The class will be 30 minutes long. The teacher will encourage your child to stay in the water for the duration of the class. However, if the teacher feels your child is getting cold or unsettled before the end of the class they may feel it better to reduce there lesson time to 20 minutes for the first 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.
Your child’s teachers name can be found in the customer portal alongside their class details. If you are unable to find this please email us. It can nice for children to be aware of this prior to their first lesson.
Please see our blog for further tips.

All classes last 30 minutes. Only exception is some of our advanced classes that last 45 minutes.
Please see ability group section of the parent’s handbook for more information.

Swimming costume/ trunks (no baggy shorts or bikinis)
Towel
Goggles (we have a selection of goggles your child can try if new to wearing goggles. We recommend aquasphere goggles for our younger children as they fit small faces well. Please contact us if you would like to purchase these through Big Blue)
Rash Vest (some children get cold in their lesson and like to wear a tight fitting rash vest)
Swimming cap or hair tied back
Water bottles (all advanced classes and swim fit classes should bring water bottles to poolside)

Any concerns you may have about the lesson or your child’s swimming progress. Please remember that the teachers have back-to-back classes and may be unable to speak to you at the poolside. Please don’t hesitate to speak to the poolside coordinator or contact Lucy or Calvin to discuss your child’s lessons and any queries you may have.
We will ensure that any medical or additional needs communicated through your child’s registration area passed onto the teacher.

No, parents do not enter the pool for any of our classes. Parents should sit in the viewing gallery or back from the class in the spectating areas.
*At our Energize and Queensferry High venue parents are not allowed on poolside and when dropping off and collecting their child should remain on the changing room side of the pool.

Due to our set class ratio's it is not alway's possible to arrange trial lessons with Big Blue. We will however do everything we can to assist your child to settle in to lessons and following the first lesson we will arrange to discuss the suitability of the class with you.
We give all our preschoolers three weeks to settle into the class. If your child is not settled at this point we may discuss other options with you.

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 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.

Where availability allows we can try to accommodate a catch up lesson if you inform us in advance of your child's absence. Please note catch up lessons are limited to one per term.

As we try to follow the Edinburgh 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 our website for the full year. Please consult the term dates page for this information.

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.

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 and how often they swim out with lessons.
If you would like any further advice on how to help your child’s swimming development please contact Lucy and Calvin.

All Big Blue staff hold industry recognised UKCC Teacher of Aquatics or ASA qualifications, as well as child protection certificates.
Most of the team also hold additional lifeguarding, first aid and other sporting qualifications.
Please see the meet the team page for further details.

Yes, all Big Blue staff including teachers, lifeguards, and pool attendants are subjected to a fully enhanced PVG disclosure check prior to starting with Big Blue Swim School.

You can speak to one of our poolside coordinators. Alternatively you can email enquiries@bigblueswimschool.co.uk

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.