Understanding the Swim England 'Learn to Swim Stages 1-7' at Grange Farm Swim School

At Grange Farm Swim School, we follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework to help children progress safely, confidently and consistently through every stage of their swimming journey.

The Swim England Learn to Swim Awards are nationally recognised stages that take swimmers from complete beginners through to strong, competent and confident swimmers.

Rather than rushing children through lessons, the framework focuses on building lifelong water confidence, correct technique and vital water safety skills at every stage.

Why We Follow the Swim England Framework

Swimming is an essential life skill, especially here in the Fens where we are surrounded by drains, rivers, waterways and open water.

The Swim England structure allows children of primary school age to build skills gradually in a supportive environment while learning how to stay safe in and around water.

At Grange Farm Swim School, our lessons focus on:

• Water confidence

• Safety and survival skills

• Strong swimming technique

• Confidence in deeper water

• Independent swimming

• Enjoyment and long-term progression

Every swimmer progresses at their own pace and we only award stages once the required skills have genuinely been achieved.

My daughter started 1-1 swimming lessons after a year gap. She was not very confident and had to wear a nose clip as she hated being under the water. Lucy has been just amazing, my daughter absolutely loves her and is now so confident, she has passed her stage 7 and is still having lessons purely because she loves coming so much!! We couldn’t be happier!!!

What Are the Swim England Stages?

The Learn to Swim Awards are split into Stages 1–7, with each stage introducing new skills and improving confidence, technique and stamina.

Stage 1 – Building Water Confidence

Stage 1 is all about helping swimmers feel safe and comfortable in the water.

Children begin learning:

• Safe entries and exits

• Floating and gliding

• Basic movement through the water

• Water confidence and submersion

• Early breathing control

This stage creates the foundation for all future swimming skills.

Stage 2 – Developing Independence

At Stage 2, swimmers begin becoming more independent in the water and start linking movements together.

Skills include:

• Pushes and glides

• Basic front and back movement

• Improved breathing control

• Rotations and floating

• Beginning propulsion skills

Confidence starts to grow significantly during this stage.

Stage 3 – Building Strong Foundations

By Stage 3, swimmers are becoming more coordinated and capable in deeper water.

This stage introduces:

• Controlled front crawl and backstroke movement

• Water safety awareness

• Treading water basics

• Improved streamlining

• Greater swimming distance

Swimmers begin developing stronger technique and endurance.

Stage 4 – Introducing Stroke Technique

Stage 4 focuses on developing recognised swimming strokes correctly.

Swimmers work on:

• Front crawl technique

• Backstroke technique

• Breaststroke foundations

• Butterfly body movement

• Deeper water confidence

Technique becomes increasingly important from this point onwards.

Stage 5 – Developing Efficiency & Confidence

At Stage 5, swimmers begin refining strokes and improving stamina.

This includes:

• More efficient stroke technique

• Coordinated breathing

• Increased swimming distance

• Sculling and water skills

• Stronger deep water confidence

Children often become noticeably more independent and confident during this stage.

Stage 6 – Advanced Swimming Skills

Stage 6 introduces more advanced aquatic skills and survival techniques.

Swimmers develop:

• Advanced stroke technique

• Surface dives

• Turning skills

• Greater endurance

• Personal survival skills

This stage helps prepare swimmers for stronger, safer swimming in a range of environments.

Stage 7 – Confident & Competent Swimmers

Stage 7 is designed to create fully competent swimmers who are capable, confident and safe in the water.

Skills include:

• Quality technique across all major strokes

• Swimming longer distances

• Advanced water safety

• Survival and rescue awareness

• Overall aquatic confidence

By the end of Stage 7, swimmers have developed valuable life skills that extend far beyond the swimming pool.

Amazing swim school! My son has gained so much confidence since starting his swimming lessons, he absolutely loves going. Thank you to all the teachers you do and amazing job!

Discovery Ducklings & Ducklings Awards

Before progressing into Stages 1–7, many of our youngest swimmers begin with Discovery Ducklings and Ducklings classes.

These early awards focus on:

• Water confidence

• Enjoying the water

• Floating and movement

• Parent and child interaction

• Early safety awareness

Certificate Information for Discovery Ducklings & Ducklings

Swim England Certificates for our Discovery Ducklings and Ducklings classes are charged for in advance every other half-term.

If your baby or child is not yet ready for the next certificate, you will automatically be allocated a credit for the following half-term.

We never rush progression and always work at the child’s pace.

Certificate Information for Pre-School & School Age Lessons

For swimmers in our pre-school and school age group lessons, certificates are only charged for when the teacher awards them.

Our administrator will send an invoice once the swimmer has successfully completed their stage.

This ensures parents only pay for certificates when they are genuinely achieved.

Certificate Information for Private Swimming Lessons

Within private lessons, certificates are awarded as stages are completed and these are provided free of charge.

Private lessons can be particularly helpful for:

• Nervous swimmers

• Children needing additional confidence

• Technique improvement

• Swimmers requiring more individual attention

• Accelerated progression

Supporting Local Primary Schools

Alongside our regular swimming lessons, Grange Farm Swim School also works in partnership with local primary schools to support school swimming provision.

Using the Swim England framework within school swimming helps children build confidence while working towards the national curriculum swimming requirements.

We are proud to support local schools and are always open to discussing new school swimming partnerships within the local area.

Why School Swimming Matters

School swimming is incredibly important for helping children:

• Stay safe around water

• Learn essential life skills

• Build confidence

• Improve physical wellbeing

• Gain independence

For many children, school swimming lessons may be their first regular experience in water, making supportive teaching environments essential.

Start Your Child’s Swimming Journey with Grange Farm Swim School

Whether your child is taking their very first splash in the pool or progressing through the Swim England stages, our supportive and experienced team are here to help them grow into safe, confident swimmers for life.

We offer:

• Baby & toddler swimming lessons

• Pre-school swimming lessons

• School age swimming lessons

• Private swimming tuition

• Swim England stage progression

• Supportive lessons focused on confidence and technique

If you would like to find out more about lessons at Grange Farm Swim School, get in touch with our friendly team today or explore our current swimming lesson options online.

Your child’s swimming journey starts with confidence, safety and enjoyment in the water.

FAQ

What are Swim England Learn to Swim Stages?

The Swim England Learn to Swim Stages are nationally recognised swimming awards designed to help children progress from beginner swimmers to confident, competent swimmers through seven structured stages.

How long does it take to complete the stages?

Every swimmer progresses differently. Some children move through stages quickly, while others may take longer to build confidence and technique.

Do children have to complete every stage?

Yes. Each stage builds on the previous one to ensure swimmers develop safely and correctly.

When are certificates charged for?

Discovery Ducklings and Ducklings certificates are charged every other half-term in advance. Pre-school and school age certificates are only invoiced once awarded.

Are certificates included in private lessons?

Yes. Certificates achieved within private lessons are provided free of charge.

Do you work with local schools?

Yes. Grange Farm Swim School currently supports local primary schools and welcomes enquiries from schools interested in swimming partnerships.