Peckham Pulse woes

[LauraHW]

I'm trying to find out information about swimming lessons at Peckham Pulse for my 3 year old. Every time I phone up it just rings out and there is no specific information on the website. Anyone know how I need to book on / how it works? I really want to support local facilities but they make it very hard!!

[alieh]

The swimming lesson registration is a nightmare! I think you've just missed the window for the next session, which starts this week and runs for 10 weeks. But if there are still classes with vacancies you should be able to book in? This Saturday is the first week of the next 10 week session. Alternatively the next registration period for new people will start in about 7-8 weeks (they will know the dates if you ask at reception). I've never had any hope on the phone - you really need to just go in and talk to someone at reception.

For a 3 year old, not sure if they would put him/her into the Adult & Child Level 3 class or else start him/her on their own in the Stage 1 class. You could just go in and ask if they have vacancies in either of these.

The good news is that once you get booked on a class you get priority to re-book the following session so don't have to do the crazy queueing etc.

[LauraHW]

Thank you very much!

[newtoedf]

I think 3 is when they start lessons on their own rather than with the parent in the pool too. They start with ducklings and then move on to preschool before stage 1. I was told that children can't start stage 1 until they are 5 which can mean doing the same level for a while. However, my daughter never complained and was moved to stage 1 when she was only just 4 so I think it probably depends who you speak to...

Definitely go in and see them as the phone is hardly ever answered. I've been really pleased with the lessons and the teachers but I do think it makes a big difference if you are able to do extra swimming with your child as well as half an hour a week is not a lot. I used to love the chance for a half hour swim on my own while my daughter had her lesson then she'd join me for a splash for half an hour after her lesson.

[Grotty]

We have just started lessons here. I remember trying to book onto lessons when our kids were babies, and despite turing up at 8am on a specific Monday morning, as I had been told I had to do, by the time I got to the front of the queue the lessons were booked up. This happened twice so we gave up. Then 2 weeks ago, we were there swimming and I happened to ask about classes and they happened to have a space. It seems to be a mix of chaos and chance! That said, our 3 year old had her first class last Saturday and absolutely loved it so its definitely worth the hassle. I agree though that they are useless on the phone so best to go in and speak to someone.

[alieh]

Ah yes! I forgot there were a few levels before Stage 1, Ducklings, etc.. I think if you just go in and tell them your child's age and current swimming experience they'll be able to advise. If you're flexible with times you might get lucky and get a spot in the current session. I wondered if maybe this session had more gaps because lots of people would have be away for summer holidays when the registration came up again at the end of July.