First founded in 2000 by Philomena Geary, Phil set out to teach swimming to babies and children up to 12 years old and created a lasting legacy in the swimming industry. In 2022, Phil has since retired and her once senior swimming teacher, Joy Ashcroft, has taken directorship and hope to build on what Phil started. Joy is a qualified Level 2 ASA teacher while also holding qualification in Parent & Toddler teaching, She has been teaching for over 10 years and is well adapt for any situation.
It is 1st Swim School’s philosophy that each child can develop their swimming ability at their own pace. This means classes are restricted to a ratio of four pupils per teacher during the important early stages of learning.
All 1st Swim School teachers are fully ASA/STA qualified, hold lifesaving certificates and have undergone First Aid training, so no matter what the teacher, we can guarantee quality.
The ability to keep safe in and around water is the main focus of 1st Swim School’s teaching. Knowledge of when it is safe and not safe to enter water, good swimming technique and water skills taught in a fun, non-competitive manner.
Our Teaching Team
1st Swim School is privileged to have a teaching team of DBS checked, fully qualified ASA/STA teachers who excel in their swimming teaching.
The majority of 1st Swim School teachers are trained in either STA/ASA or Birthlight Baby and Pre-School methods, giving them a sound grounding in all round child development – a distinct advantage in the tuition of swimming teaching to all ages and abilities.
All teachers joining 1st Swim School must firstly spend time assisting either Joy or one of the Senior Swimming Teachers in order to become proficient in our gentle but effective approach to learning.
1st Swim School 