What age does my child have to be to start lessons?

Our little swimmer lessons start from age 2+ with mum/dad in the water having a good old splash around too!

How old will my child be when they finish lessons?
We cater for swimmers right up to club level, the sky is the limit for GUST swimmers therefore we do not put an age limit on it!

How long does each course last?
Each of our courses runs in 10 week blocks, term time only, so children can make the most of their holidays practising their GUST swimming techniques! If you attend weekend courses, lessons will run most weekends either side of half term, but will not run during the Bank Holiday weekends. Always check our latest up to date timetable before booking (see the timetable tab).

How long do the lessons last?
We would love them to last a couple of hours at a time, but we tried this and too many of our teachers shrivelled up! So now all of our lessons are 30 minutes in duration (we thought it was only fair!)

How many children are in each class?
Our classes range in numbers from 4 – 6 maximum depending on which location you have your lessons, this means super duper ratio’s of teacher to child!

Will the teacher always be in the water with my child?
Up to a certain level all of our teachers teach from in the water, not only is this excellent teaching skills, it also keeps them fit!

How do I re-enrol my child on the next course?
Our fabulous coordinators will make sure that if you want to keep your space and re enrol on the next course then you can with ease.........and let’s face it..who wouldn’t?! We are happy to enrol children at any point during the 10 week course, first come first served basis as we cannot guarantee any available spaces will be free by the end of the 10 week course.

How do i pay for each course?
Each course needs to be paid for on the last day of the previous course via cash or cheque made payable to GUST Swim School Ltd. If you're unable to attend enrolments at the last lesson, payment should be sent to; GUST Swim School Ltd, Unit 1, Part 1, Whitebridge Estates, Whitebridge Lane, Stone, ST15 8LQ. If we aren't informed that you require the space, someone else will pinch it!
What happens if my child misses a lesson?

I'm happens if I miss a lesson?
We know here at GUST that unless your child has been abducted by aliens or deported to the moon then they are very unlikely to miss their GUST swimming lesson! But in the unfortunate event that something like this does happen then unfortunately we are unable to move children into different slots on different days as spaces are few and far between.

Am I able to watch my child swimming?
Of course! We would ask you to stay onsite for the duration of the lesson in case of emergency. We want to make sure you can see how well they are doing and how their development is going so we have seating areas/space at all of our pools, (we do ask that you keep the shouting and cheering to a minimum! and please don't walk around the edge of the pool during the lessons.

Will my child receive an award after every course?
If the children have successfully completed the criteria required for that particular level, then they will receive their award, if not they will receive a Starfish award and the coordinator for that session will give you feedback on what your child has struggled with, and will ensure that nothing less than the best is achieved next time! If you feel like showing off your awards then please ask your co-ordinator for a tailor made GUST swim bag to sew them onto with pride!

How many levels are there in GUST Swim School?
Including the Little Swimmers there are 12 levels altogether within the GUST criteria, and they all have their own badges and cute water animals!

What do i need to bring with my child to the lesson?
For the mainstream swimming lessons, all you will need is their swim kit and towel......also don’t forget your child (they are the crucial bit!) If attending GUST little swimmers, the only extra item you may need would be a swim nappy....and don’t worry if you forget this as we have the disposable ones for sale on the poolside.

Does my child need goggles?
It all depends from child to child. If the water getting in their eyes is a constant set back to their progress then we would advise that goggles be worn, however if the child only wants them to ‘look good’ (which they will have already achieved by being a GUST swimmer!) and they become a distraction for them in the lesson we will advise you of this also! We are able to supply Seal Kid goggles, just ask your co-ordinator at the lesson.

What is a swim fin?
A swim fin is an excellent swim aid GUST use in all our lessons, it attaches to the child’s back and looks just like a sharks fin! (Albeit some of the colours do not resemble that of a sharks, which has caused some confusion here at GUST?!) It helps a great deal for the child’s body position, which is crucial when swimming. The swim fin is the latest technology in the aid of swimming correctly.

Which pools are warm?
We have 3 small pools which are lovely and warm for babies and toddlers, these are; Stone House Hotel, Hempstalls Primary School and The Quality Hotel in Hanley, they are smaller, warmer and more shallow! (good for handstands and all number of tricks!)

Who do i contact if i have any problems/queries?
We very rarely have any problems at GUST....but if you do have a query then the best people to see are the coordinators at that session, they are happy to help with everything!

What can I purchase from GUST?
At GUST we are able to supply swim fins, aqua sphere seal kid goggles GUST swim bags and GUST hooded jumpers. Simply ask your co-ordinator at the lesson and we'll endeavour to get your order to you at the next lesson!

Thank you for reading the GUST FAQ’s, if your question is not on this list, then please call the HQ on the numbers listed below and we will add it on.............oh and will try our best to give you an answer!