Behind the Scenes at Seashell Swim School

Seashell Swim School, based at the Seashell Trust in Greater Manchester, is a Swim England affiliated provider delivering high-quality, specialist swimming lessons for autistic and disabled children of all abilities aged three and above. With a strong focus on inclusion, their experienced team supports swimmers with a wide range of complex needs through tailored, engaging, and accessible sessions.

We caught up with the team at Seashell Swim School to find out more about how they run their sessions.

How long has your swim school been established, and can you briefly share the story behind it?

Our swim school has been running since around 2009, in our state-of-the-art swimming pool (The Bertie Broome Swimming Pool). It was born out of a passion for creating inclusive, supportive environments where every child can thrive in the water. We recognised a significant gap in provision for swimmers who might struggle in mainstream settings – those requiring warmer water, more tailored support, or specialist equipment – and set out to create a space where every swimmer could feel safe, supported, and successful.

What age range do you cater for, and which disciplines do you offer?

We work with children and young people aged 4-18 through our regular swimming lessons, and we also offer baby sensory swim sessions for ages 0-4 in our hydrotherapy pool. Our focus is on swimmers who may benefit from a more specialist approach, whether due to sensory needs, physical disabilities, or simply a gentler introduction to the water. We offer both water confidence and Learn to Swim programmes, with all lessons tailored to meet individual needs.<

How often do lessons run, and what formats are available?

We run lessons four days a week – Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, plus Saturday mornings. Sessions are available in small groups (up to 1:6) and one-to-one formats. Our 1:1 sessions are especially popular and currently have a waiting list due to high demand.

Do you run themed lessons? What are some of your favourites?

We love using seasonal and cultural themes to keep things exciting. Some of our most memorable sessions have been themed around World Book Day, Halloween, and Easter. They add an extra sense of fun and creativity that keeps our swimmers engaged and looking forward to each week.

How do you keep parents informed about their child’s progress?

We always build time into each session to chat with parents poolside. These relaxed, informal updates help build trust and make sure families feel connected to their child’s progress and experiences.

How are lessons adapted to suit individual swimmers?

Every lesson is tailored. Many of our swimmers have additional needs, and we use a variety of specialist equipment – flotation aids, sling and chair hoists, gradual steps, and more. We also factor in sensory needs, using tools like the hydro pool’s sensory lighting and music when appropriate. Flexibility is key: we meet each child where they are.

What are your growth goals over the next year?

We’re hoping to expand our group lesson offerings. One of our goals is to help children who began in one-to-one sessions transition into small group lessons as their confidence builds. It’s a great way to support social development alongside swimming skills.

Do you play a role in community water safety?

Yes, we run weekly community swimming sessions that open our pool up to the wider public. We also teach water safety as part of every lesson and take part in national campaigns, including specific safety-focused sessions during Drowning Prevention Week.

What advice would you give to someone starting a specialist swim school?

1. Stay organised – it lays the foundation for everything.
2. Keep on top of your admin and enquiries – it builds strong relationships with families.
3. Most importantly, have fun! Your enthusiasm sets the tone for your swimmers and creates a warm, positive learning space.

How has Swim England helped you in your journey?

Swim England has been a brilliant support. Their training and resources help ensure we stay compliant and continue to grow as professionals. Having their backing gives both our team and our swimmers’ families extra peace of mind.

Find out more about becoming a Swim School Member here.