"We don't leave anyone behind"
The ISA methodology lends itself perfectly to being comprehensively inclusive of children with special and/or additional needs. We feel that this aspect of our ethos is core to our values and practice, and children with special and/ or additional needs will follow the same programme as the rest of the children.
Our approach
Trust
We will build a trusting relationship with your child that to work with their natural reflexes and meet their needs.
Development
We will improve your child’s development in swimming and other areas through repetition, reward and praise.
Communication
We will support and guide your child using a combination of verbal and touch cues.
More about our lessons
Our instructors are experienced in teaching children with a variety of special or additional needs. Non-verbal children often thrive in our programme as we use the nervous system via touchpoints as part of our teaching method.
You can tailor your child’s lesson length following a 10-minute slot increment charge; e.g. 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes etc. In a 20 or 30 minute 1:1 ISA lesson, there is more time for building up a relationship with the instructor, play and accelerated learning.
A programme to suit everyone
“We believe that the water is an equaliser. That it is a place that brings more opportunities to those who may have a more difficult experience on dry land”.
Meet our Stars
Additional benefits of swimming
Water safety
Water safety skills, along with constant supervision is the highest recommended barriers to drowning. Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of death in under 4 years according to the WHO.
Improve
Improve overall lifestyle with a low-impact activity. Strengthens the heart and lungs. Better coordination and balance from stronger muscles and joints.
De-stress
Mental health benefits such as reduced anxiety and depression, better sleep and improved eating patterns.
Develop
Improved problem-solving skills and speech. Boosts self-esteem and enjoy the sensory experience of moving in the water.
Workout
Low impact exercise for the whole body, better energy levels.
Health
Improving lifestyle with a healthy weight, heart and lungs.
Boost
Self-esteem, confidence and sensory water safety awareness.
Gallery
The children in these photos are just a few of our swimmers who have been diagnosed with a special need or disability like Down Syndrome, Autism, brain damage, or visual impairment.years according to the WHO.
Watch these parents talking about us
Read what our families think
Silvia & Miguel,
Words cannot express my gratitude to the both of you for the excellent work you have done for Noah.
He changed from a boy who hated water on his face and eyes to one who can swim powerfully across the pool, with different techniques in his repertoire and with confidence too.
Thank you so much for your patience and firmness.
Rose and son Noah
London
ISA,
This programme is a very valuable service to have, especially for children of special needs that can not take part in mainstream swimming classes. The level of immersion works really well in combination with the care and sensitivity they have for all the children. This method of teaching shows that anyone can learn to swim, no matter what age or ability!
Tracey and son Isaiah
London
We are absolutely thrilled with JJ's progress with ISA!
JJ had done a lot of the programme while in Australia but we couldn't find a good swimming school in the UK. So it had been 2 years since his last lesson when he started with ISA. He was very scared of water at the beginning and he used to cling to his instructor... Seeing him, after just one term, floating, swimming and looking forwards to coming to swimming lessons is remarkable! Thank you!
Danielle and son Jeffrey
London
To the ISA team,
William and Finn were camping with their dad in Cornwall last weekend. Chris just texted to say that William was climbing on some rocks by the water, slipped and accidentally, he fell into the water. Immediately rolled onto his back, starfish! then, onto his front and kicked to the shore. He is ok.
What would we do without ISA?
Caroline and son William
London
We have been with ISA over a year now and cannot praise the teachers enough!
Our 2 boys have had lessons with all four different teachers who have all been equally caring and firm when required. The technique itself is also very unique with the emphasis on floating early on which gives parents the peace of mind around pools on holidays. The boys now love coming back for lessons and are very comfortable in the water.
Anis and sons Selim & Sami
London
Emmeline wore her "rainbow" swimsuit to one of her first swimming lessons, where she was learning to float.
Week after week her amazing instructor would repeatedly say: "rainbow up" to remind her to keep her belly up and it got to the point that I was afraid to put her in a different swimsuit.
Somehow, it still fits! and she loves to float! Rainbow up!.
Amanda and daughter Emmeline
London
Thanks guys and keep up the good work.
My son Khadar has been diagnosed with developmental delay at 2 and autism at 11.
Before ISA, Khadar took a few swimming lessons from here and there but just was splashing the water. Since he started ISA, nearly 2 years, he improved a lot, listens to the teachers.
I am so grateful that he started with ISA, every day he learn new techniques.
He is happy.
Hinda and son
Khadar
My child, Adam was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old. Because of his speech delay, I wasn't confident to sign him to any swimming lessons until I found ISA. From a child who was scared to wash his hair, Adam become confident in the water after only a couple of lessons. He enjoyed every lesson as he formed a special bond with his teachers and what's more important he felt like a part of the team. We've been with ISA since September 2018 and we would highly recommend them to anyone who want their child not only to learn to swim but be safe in the water at the same time.
Dagmara and son
Adam
