Water Babies - Notts & Derby Reviews 

My son loves his lessons with Water Babies! He wasn’t sure at first and the instructor was understanding and adapted the activities to suit him! The courtesy classes are a good system for catch ups, as my partner can take him at the weekends too! Whenever I’ve spoken to the office they’re always so helpful and friendly!

Charlotte is an exceptional teacher and one of the sole reasons we have stayed with waterbabies for 4 years. There are many different personalities and teaching styles across Notts and derby and as with anything I feel some you (and your baby) gel with more than others. The pools are always warm and fairly decent. The lessons are broad and engaging and we love the songs and characters. Both of my children have gained vital water skills and confidence in the water. My eldest was especially fearful and is now super confident around swimming and continues building his skills.
As the pools aren’t necessarily aimed at young children and babies the changing facilities are sometimes cramped and in my opinion not fit for purpose.
My biggest disappointment with waterbabies is how much they swap and change the classes around- which when your child is younger regularly clashes with routines. I have two children in different pools and sessions and this has happened multiple times across our waterbabies journey for both (5yo and 16months). They do meet across the school holidays which is great as long times without sessions can impact confidence in the water and progress.
I have also found that now my eldest is school age there are very minimal options and subsequently unable to use and book any catch up sessions. More work could be done on the swimvincibles for sure and taking into account that they’re likely at school so planning sessions around this- ie evenings.

Water Babies have been absolutely WONDERFUL since the first ever conversation! They are super friendly, warm and truly understanding regarding individual circumstances. Hayley is our instructor and the weekly lessons are the highlight of the week!

Charlotte adapts each lesson to the pace of each individual child in the group, makes me feel comfortable in the pool to support my child and you can see she knows each child well. My little girl loves her swimming lessons (even at 8 weeks old when we started), and that is down to Charlotte, her child focused approach, knowledge and general loveliness! Thank you Water Babies!

From the phone call I made to make enquiries to the lessons my daughter has, every experience with water babies and all of the staff have been great. There are regular emails updating me of what's going on and reminders of payments due as well as when my child is due her next swimming badge.
The swimming teacher is amazing with the children and gets them all fully engaged in the lessons.
I would highly recommend water babies.

It’s the highlight of our week! My little girl loves Water Babies so much and has been going since she was 9 months old!

Our baby loves his water babies lessons. As soon as he smells the chlorine he breaks out into a huge smile.

lots of dunkin babies just not for us don't think it's nessasary
would have liked more water confidence and play

Charlotte is a fantastic teacher, the lessons are so easy to follow and she’s great with the babies. My baby loves the water because of these sessions.

My daughter has been swimming in Derby since she was 3months she is now 4years old and her confidence in the water is amazing. She can swim with her face in the water, with barely any help from mummy. She can also float on her front and back. She looks forward every week to her lesson and her teacher Charlotte is wonderful and makes each lesson so fun for the kids. I’m so proud of my daughter’s progress and that she now has brilliant skills for life.

We have been going to Portland College for 4 months now, Lindsey is our teacher for our 7 month old and she’s amazing!
Watching our babies confidence grow in the water has been beautiful. Now she’s able to go underwater without a care in the world, whist learning her safety skills, it’s truly our favourite day of the week! Lindsey is amazing will all the babies and we put our whole trust in her. Would highly recommend to anyone who’s thinking of starting.

I would 100% recommend Water Babies, we have our class with Charlotte. We have learnt so much and our little boy has improved so much since going. We have tried two other swimming places before this, and this is honestly the best! Thanks x

We started water babies in Nottingham a few weeks ago. We all get supper excited for our next class. Hayley is our instructor and we could not ask for a more dedicated, inspiring, praiseworthy, professional and supportive teacher.

Hayley has had a huge positive influence on my children’s confidence and joy for swimming. She is extremely passionate about her role and is significantly dedicated in delivering such passionate and fun but inspiring lessons. I don’t think we would still continue our lessons if it wasn’t for Hayley.

We absolutely love Water Babies at Portland College 💙 The pool is lovely and always warm. We’ve been coming since my daughter was just 8 weeks old, and now she’s 13 months — it’s been incredible to see how much she’s grown in confidence.
Water Babies has been amazing for her physical development and water confidence, but also for our bond together. She enjoys splashing and looks forward to each session. The classes are fun, supportive, and age-appropriate
It’s such a positive experience for development, confidence, and quality time together.

Expensive and the facilities are not fit for purpose. Previously really enjoyed it with our first child. Not enjoying it second time.

We love water babies. I was initially nervous to swim my baby girl but now I look forward to it every week. Our teacher, Hayley, is so kind and reassuring. The songs are really sweet. My baby is so happy in water now. Thank you so much

The lessons are very expensive and you are stuck in a contract so you have to pay for several lessons after you cancel. This seems especially unfair considering mums are on mat leave with a reduced income.
I didnt like the way the classes were run, theyre just 30mins and you are sandwiched between back to back classes. The teacher is the only staff member there, and they dont get out the pool to greet you or tell you what to do/ where to go. I wouldnt mind if it was a bit cheaper, but considering the premium price tag, this is not a premium experience.
I would save your money and get a local leisure centre membership.

Emails received weekly with update on closure of pool. When rang further information received on reason for closure. Some catch up lessons taken at another venue.

“Water Babies” is fantastic! The classes are structured perfectly for babies and older ones—they manage to balance playful activities with real skill building. We’ve been amazed at how quickly our 5 months old son was beginning two years ago on his journey and still learning to kick and float with really good progress. The environment is always positive and energetic and Dylan likes to interact with instructor Emily, she makes lesson very comfortable, fun and safe. Highly recommend.