Business Details
10 Years
experience
Award-Winning Swimming Lessons for Children in Bolton
At Splash Stars, we revolutionise swimming education through our child-centred approach, empowering children aged 0-11 to swim independently from their first lesson. Founded in 2016 by Nichole, a seasoned swimming industry professional, our program eliminates reliance on flotation devices, focusing instead on correct stroke technique and vital life-saving skills. Our team undergoes rigorous training, including 45+ hours of co-teaching and STA-certified qualifications, ensuring the highest standards.Recognised with awards such as the Manchester Prestige Award for Children's Swimming Lesson Provider of the Year, we combine structured, ability-based classes with flexible scheduling across eight pools. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to special needs lessons, and our underwater photography service captures milestones in a unique aquatic setting. With over 450 students and growing, we pride ourselves on fostering confidence, safety, and a lifelong love for water.
Services
Baby Swimming Lessons
Toddler Swimming Classes
Children's Swimming Lessons
Special Needs Swimming
Private Swimming Sessions
Underwater Photography
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- Our instructors complete 45+ hours of co-teaching and hold STA certifications.
- Award-winning program with Bolton Council approval and multiple industry accolades.
- Structured lessons tailored to each child's ability with no flotation devices.
- Special needs swimming classes designed for diverse disabilities and developmental needs.
- Flexible scheduling across eight pools with optional catch-up lessons included.
Associations and certifications
- STA Approved
- RLSS
What people say
Amazing teachers
Confidence growth
Structured program
Special needs support
Catch-up lessons
Services
Baby Swimming Lessons
Our Twinkle Stars program introduces babies aged 0-7 months to water through gentle submersion techniques. Classes focus on building water confidence using skin-to-skin contact and bonding activities. Certified instructors guide parents in developing early swimming reflexes while ensuring safety and enjoyment in a warm, controlled environment.
Special Needs Swimming
Tailored lessons for children with disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, and sensory impairments. Our STA-certified instructors use minimal flotation devices to develop water confidence. Sessions incorporate individualised progressions that build independence while accommodating diverse physical and developmental requirements through gentle, supportive instruction.
Private Swimming Lessons
Customised 30-minute sessions for children aged 2+ and adults. Instructors create individualised lesson plans addressing specific goals like stroke correction or competitive training. Priced at 27.50 per session, these lessons offer focused attention with flexible scheduling available in six-week blocks across multiple pool locations.
Underwater Photography
Professional underwater photo sessions for children who've completed six weeks of lessons. Sessions include family participation guidance and real-time HD monitoring. Groups limited to five children per 30-minute slot ensure quality time with expert photographers using specialist waterproof equipment for capturing natural, confident underwater moments.
StarAcademy Lessons
Progressive lessons for ages 4-11 developing advanced strokes including front crawl, breaststroke, and butterfly. Level 4-5 classes introduce racing starts, tumble turns, and 100m endurance training. Instructors provide technical feedback while maintaining small class sizes (max 6 students) to refine technique and build competition-ready skills.
People
Nichole
Creative and Technical Director
Founder of Splash Stars with 15+ years swimming industry experience. Developed the STA-approved curriculum after identifying gaps in traditional teaching methods. Leads instructor training and program development while maintaining hands-on involvement in lesson delivery.
Emily Whalley
Baby and Preschool Teacher
Joined Splash Stars in 2016 after experiencing the program with her child. Completed STA baby swimming qualifications and progressed to Social Media Manager. Combines teaching expertise with marketing strategy to maintain the company's family-friendly brand identity.
Questions
What makes Splash Stars different from other swimming schools?
We teach without flotation devices, focusing on natural water confidence. Our instructors undergo 45+ hours of co-teaching and our curriculum aligns with STA standards while incorporating child development principles.
Do you offer lessons for children with disabilities?
Yes, we provide specially adapted lessons for conditions including autism, cerebral palsy, and sensory impairments. Our STA-certified instructors modify techniques to suit individual needs while maintaining small class sizes.
What swimming stages do you cover?
We offer eight progressive levels from newborns (0-7 months) through to advanced swimmers (4-11 years). Each stage focuses on specific skills from water adaptation to competitive stroke techniques.
Can we try a lesson before committing?
While we don't offer trial lessons, our ability matrix helps determine appropriate class placement. We recommend attending one session to experience our teaching approach before full-term commitment.
What happens if we miss a lesson?
We provide catch-up lessons at no extra charge. Simply inform us in advance and we'll arrange an alternative session at one of our eight pool locations to accommodate your schedule.
Do you offer underwater photography?
Yes, we partner with professional underwater photographers. Children must complete six weeks of lessons and demonstrate submersion comfort before participating in these 30-minute group photo sessions.
Reviews (7)
Amanda Holt
Dec 03, 2021
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We have only spent a term at Splash Stars, but, as a bit of a swim class snob (you would not believe how hard it is to get a 3 year old decent lessons when they are competent and confident unaided!), I must say they have been amazing! I have a 3yr 10m old who has been 'swimming' over 10m unaided for quite a while. Splash Stars accommodated us when… no-one else would/could and it was worth the hour drive to get there. The teachers are lovely and make sure the children understand what they need to do, correcting them nicely and constructively when needed. I wish we lived closer, but after
Emma Salisbury
Sep 16, 2021
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Imogen has come on leaps and bounds since starting lessons! She loves the lessons too which is a huge benefit and can't wait to see Hayley every week ! Would 100% recommend!
Iain Peel
Sep 11, 2021
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Our little boy attended his first lesson last Tuesday and couldn’t have enjoyed it more. He is really looking forward to attending next Tuesdays lesson and gutted he has to wait. Thank you ☺️
Rachel Murphy
Oct 02, 2020
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It was my little boys first class back since march, the steps splash stars have put in place in order to get us back in the pool are brilliant and have been well thought out, safety was thought about from the moment we entered the building to the moment we left, including temperature checks, a one way system and social distancing. it was quiet… obvious that the children's confidence in the pool had been lost a little but this didn't matter as everything was taken slowly and at a pace the children needed and by the end of the lesson all where having fun and the tears had gone. If you have
Kim Hales
Mar 09, 2020
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Highly recommend splash stars!! I’ve been taking my little boy for over a year now since he was about 8 months old. He is so confident in the water and loves every minute of every lesson!
Natalie Elezi
Jan 11, 2020
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Had our first Twinkle Stars class last Tuesday and we both loved it! Can't wait for our next class! The small class size made me feel a lot more confident :)
David Sexton
Sep 29, 2019
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Excellent instructors with a good range of venues and times for different grades of swimmers. My five year old daughter had been going to Splash Stars for over three years, having tried other classes/groups and companies I really do appreciate how these work. They offer a structured programme but can and do alter each class according to the childs requirements. I like that they offer lessons for children of all abilities and needs. The real bonus is to have catch up lessons, its brilliant, it means you can miss a class, (due to illness/holidays etc), but rearrange for a different one at
