The STA Stanley Programme is an innovative series of six progressive awards designed to introduce babies, toddlers, and pre-school children to a positive and engaging water experience alongside their accompanying adult. The programme focuses on developing early water confidence, safety awareness, and fundamental aquatic skills through fun, structured play.

All sessions take place in shallow water, with the parent or guardian in the pool holding and supporting their child at all times. While buoyancy aids may be used, they are not essential, as the adult provides continuous support. Correct support positions are encouraged, with an emphasis on maintaining eye contact, physical reassurance, and positive verbal encouragement throughout the lesson.

Classes are child-led, flexible, and responsive, allowing each child to progress at their own pace. Parents are guided on how to support their child using safe holds and positions while maintaining close contact in the water.

This stage leads to the STA Octopus Award, incorporating all skills from the Octopus 1 programme. It supports children in developing water confidence, basic aquatic skills, and early stroke foundations, ensuring they feel safe and secure in and around the water.

A child’s first learn-to-swim experience is crucial in developing long-term confidence and enjoyment. Our programme follows STA principles by providing a safe, fun, and supportive environment, allowing children to explore the water through structured play while progressing at their own pace.

This stage leads to the STA Octopus Award, covering all skills within the Octopus 2 programme and supporting swimmers as they become more independent and controlled in the water.

Positive and consistent experiences are key to maintaining engagement and confidence. Lessons follow an STA-aligned progressive structure that balances challenge with enjoyment in a safe learning environment.

This stage leads to the STA Octopus Award, incorporating all Octopus 3 skills and supporting swimmers as they develop improved technique, control, and water safety awareness.

The programme continues to follow STA principles, ensuring lessons are structured, progressive, and delivered in a safe and enjoyable environment that encourages confidence and independence.

This stage leads to the STA Octopus Award, incorporating all skills from the Octopus 1 programme. It supports children in developing water confidence, basic aquatic skills, and early stroke foundations, ensuring they feel safe and secure in and around the water.

A child’s first learn-to-swim experience is crucial in developing long-term confidence and enjoyment. Our programme follows STA principles by providing a safe, fun, and supportive environment, allowing children to explore the water through structured play while progressing at their own pace.

This stage leads to the STA Octopus Award, incorporating all skills from the Octopus 1 programme. It supports children in developing water confidence, basic aquatic skills, and early stroke foundations, ensuring they feel safe and secure in and around the water.

A child’s first learn-to-swim experience is crucial in developing long-term confidence and enjoyment. Our programme follows STA principles by providing a safe, fun, and supportive environment, allowing children to explore the water through structured play while progressing at their own pace.

This stage leads to the STA Octopus Award, covering all skills within the Octopus 2 programme and supporting swimmers as they become more independent and controlled in the water.

Positive and consistent experiences are key to maintaining engagement and confidence. Lessons follow an STA-aligned progressive structure that balances challenge with enjoyment in a safe learning environment.

The STA Starfish Programme is an innovative series of six progressive awards designed to introduce babies, from just a few months old, to the pool environment alongside their accompanying adult. The programme focuses on early water confidence, safety, bonding, and sensory awareness, creating a gentle and positive first experience in the water.

This programme provides the perfect introduction to swimming. Parents and babies are encouraged to slow down, ground themselves, and enjoy being present in the water together. Lessons promote calm, relaxed movement, allowing babies to experience the water naturally through floating, splashing, and sensory play, rather than structured swimming actions.

All sessions take place in shallow water, with the parent or guardian in the pool holding and fully supporting the baby at all times. Buoyancy aids may be used but are not essential, as continuous adult support is provided. Correct support techniques are taught, including secure holds with full head and body support, maintaining close contact, eye contact, and frequent reassurance.

The STA Starfish Programme is an innovative series of six progressive awards designed to introduce babies and young toddlers, aged 6–18 months, to a fun and positive water experience alongside their accompanying adult. The programme focuses on developing water confidence, early safety awareness, sensory exploration, and secure parent–child bonding.

Sessions are delivered in a calm, nurturing, and playful environment, allowing babies to explore the water through movement, touch, sound, and repetition. The emphasis is on enjoyment and reassurance, helping each child feel safe, relaxed, and happy in the water while gently building early aquatic skills.

All lessons take place in shallow water, with the parent or guardian in the pool holding and supporting their child at all times. Buoyancy aids may be used if appropriate, but they are not essential, as the adult provides continuous physical support. Parents are guided in using safe and secure support positions, including full head and body support, maintaining eye contact, and offering consistent verbal encouragement.

The STA Stanley Programme is an innovative series of six progressive awards designed to introduce babies, toddlers, and pre-school children to a positive and engaging water experience alongside their accompanying adult. The programme focuses on developing early water confidence, safety awareness, and fundamental aquatic skills through fun, structured play.

All sessions take place in shallow water, with the parent or guardian in the pool holding and supporting their child at all times. While buoyancy aids may be used, they are not essential, as the adult provides continuous support. Correct support positions are encouraged, with an emphasis on maintaining eye contact, physical reassurance, and positive verbal encouragement throughout the lesson.

Classes are child-led, flexible, and responsive, allowing each child to progress at their own pace. Parents are guided on how to support their child using safe holds and positions while maintaining close contact in the water.