Inclusive Swimming Lessons for Disabled Adults and Children

At Better, we believe everyone should enjoy the benefits of swimming, regardless of their access or support needs. That's why we provide SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) swimming lessons for both adults and children at many of our pools and leisure centres.

Our swimming lessons for disabled adults and children range from personalised 1:1 sessions for those who require extra assistance to group classes designed for swimmers with more confidence. No matter your ability, we have the right class to help you or your loved ones build swimming skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Ready to start? Book a swimming lesson today.

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Why Build Water Confidence with Better?

At Better, our mission is to make swimming accessible, enjoyable, and easy for everyone. 

Our SEN (Special Educational Needs) swimming sessions and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) swimming classes are specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.

Our instructors are specially trained to deliver swim lessons for people with various disabilities and access needs, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. 

Additionally, most of our leisure centres feature wheelchair accessibility and poolside mobility aids, ensuring those with physical disabilities can fully participate.

Check the accessibility measures available at your local Better leisure centre to ensure you have the best experience.

What Skills Can I Learn in Swimming Lessons with Better?

Our SEN swimming lessons and SEND swimming classes are crafted to help both adults and children with disabilities develop essential swimming skills and build confidence in the water. Led by our specially trained instructors, these lessons are tailored for individuals with a range of physical, sensory or learning disabilities, making swimming with a disability enjoyable and accessible.

In our classes, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop a sense of water awareness.
  • Improve swimming techniques and skills.
  • Boost their enjoyment and comfort in the water.
  • Socialise and connect with others.

For more confident swimmers, there are also opportunities to advance their skills in a safe, inclusive environment and even prepare for competitive swimming events.

Who are Better’s swimming lessons for?

Swimming is an essential life skill for everyone and we believe that everyone should feel comfortable and confident in the water. 

Our disability-friendly swimming lessons are designed to make staying active enjoyable and accessible for people with access needs. 

To help everyone learn to enjoy the water, we offer a variety of classes tailored for both adults and children, including those with:

  • Learning disabilities.
  • Physical disabilities and mobility impairments.
  • Visual or hearing impairments.
  • Long-term illnesses and health conditions.

If you require a carer or personal assistant to support you during your visit, our Inclusive UK Membership offers them free entry to our facilities whenever you attend a swimming lesson at a Better leisure centre.

Hear from our swimmers

“As a person with a mobility impairment, I have always struggled to find accessible exercise or any physical activity that I really enjoyed… Then I joined the Better gym and I went from hating any physical activity to going to the gym several times a week!” – Christina, Better member

disability swim lesson-female swimmer

Our SEND Swimming Lessons and Classes

We have a range of programmes and classes available for both adults and children swimming with disabilities to boost your comfort and confidence in the water. To find out which classes are on offer near you, please check your local Better leisure centre.

Our SEND and SEN swimming sessions include: 

  • Foundation SEND - Age over 4 years
  • Foundation SEND - Age over 4 years with adult
  • Development SEND - (15 metres plus, 11-17 yrs)

More information about these levels can be found on our Children’s Swimming page.

 

Private Disabled Swimming Lessons

Swimming is a great sport for everyone, but it can be unenjoyable and even unsafe for those with disabilities to learn in large, mainstream groups. 

That’s why we offer dedicated 1:1 sessions for both children and adults with disabilities so they can learn to swim in a safe space. In these lessons, specially-trained instructors will help individuals learn the basics and practise their techniques with lots of support.

Our 1:1 SEN and SEND swimming sessions include: 

  • Junior Level Water individual lesson.
  • Junior Foundation Disability Private Swim lesson.
  • Junior Development Disability private swim lesson.
  • Adult Disability Private Swimming Lessons.
Contact your local centre for availability

Working with Level Water

In partnership with the charity Level Water, we also offer free swimming lessons for children aged 4-11 with physical and sensory disabilities. For those who require additional assistance, we provide funded 1:1 sessions to support their needs. 

Please note that these funded classes are not currently available for children with learning, social, or behavioural disabilities.

To find out which classes are available near you, please check your local Better leisure centre.

Find a Swimming Pool Near You

Teachers and Equipment

We understand that swimming with a disability can be challenging, and we're here to help make it easier. 

Our SEND swimming lessons are led by instructors trained to support both children and adults with disabilities, ensuring a positive experience at our accessible leisure centres.

Our teachers focus on building water confidence and enhancing swimming skills in a safe, welcoming environment. So, if you're looking for swimming lessons for disabled adults or children near you, our classes provide a friendly space where participants can learn, connect, and enjoy the water together.

To make swimming as accessible as possible, many of our pools also feature accessible changing rooms, toilets, and Poolpods. Additionally, our staff are available to care for Guide Dogs and keep mobility aids secure during your session.

SEND and SEN Swimming Session FAQs

How much do SEND and SEN swim lessons cost?

The price of special needs swimming lessons with Better vary by location. If your child is between the ages of 4 and 11, they may be eligible for funded disability swimming lessons through our partnership with Level Water. For more details on pricing and availability, please check with your local Better leisure centre.

Why is swimming good for people with a disability?

Swimming is a great activity for everyone’s mental and physical health. Not only does spending time in the water help disabled swimmers stay active, but group swimming lessons can also provide a huge social benefit.

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