Laura Benton, swimming teacher from Swim Start Swim School, Driffield is awarded STA’s first Swim Star Teacher Award for 2016!

Over the last few weeks, STA has received many nominations and as you can imagine, choosing which swimming teacher should be crowned with the Swim Star Teacher Award is always a hard job, especially with so many fantastic teachers being put forward.

Laura makes the lessons fun with games and songs whilst the children are learning

Laura was nominated with great enthusiasm from Swim Start Swim School; her determination, success and positive attitude shone brightly and could not be ignored.

Swim Start’s co-founder, Kirsty Skeates, spoke with STA’s marketing team who were looking to find out more about Laura’s background and teaching style.

Kirsty said: Laura is a key member of Swim Start Swim School. After completing her STA Baby and Pre-School, STA Award in Swimming Teachers and STA People with Disabilities courses in 2015, she has gained a wide knowledge of skill to teach all levels and abilities.

She ensures all lessons are fun and interesting to each child and always makes sure the key skills are learned by all. Laura has built a strong relationship and trust with her students and parents, which enables her to build confidence in the water with each child.

Laura was nominated not only by the swim school, but was also highly praised by parents. With a specific learner of 3 years who had never swam without her parents or used a swim fin previously, Laura was noted to have built enough confidence in her learner that they recently began swimming without a woggle.

Parent Emily Barlow, commended Laura’s work:

Laura makes the lessons fun with games and songs whilst the children are learning and supports my daughter if she is apprehensive. Alice loves her lessons and looks forward to them every week, this is all thanks to Laura. We made the best choice ever in getting Alice’s lessons with Swim Start! – I am one very proud mum.

STA’s Account Manager, Grace Mallon, proudly presented Laura’s award and asked her what advice she would give to other swimming teachers. Laura said: I would advise other swimming teachers to cognitively take note of their learner’s favourite program, colour or toys as this can be incorporated within lessons. For example, providing them their favourite coloured woggle or instructing them to swim like their much-loved fictional super hero adds an element of excitement and confidence to the lesson.

Laura has built a strong relationship and trust with her students and parents, which enables her to build confidence in the water with each child.

Upon receiving the award, Laura passionately identified the progression and achievement of her learners as being the most rewarding element of her career. She additionally recognised the prominence she held in being able to teach children the important skill of swimming and water safety.

Zoe Cooper, Director Of Sales and Marketing added: Well done Laura! Here at STA we love it when swimming teachers use imaginative ways to build confidence and trust with their learners! What a great example for the industry! Keep up the good work.