A programme designed to help independent swimming schools achieve the highest standards of training and teaching has been launched by STA.

The STA Swim Star Swim School Programme is a unique scheme that will enable independent swim schools to demonstrate to their customers that they work to the highest industry standards, set by STA.

Theo Millward, Operations Director at STA, one of the world’s largest swim teaching and lifesaving organisations, said the Swim Star programme had been inspired by its successful STA Swim Academies that are being run successfully in partnership with a growing number of local authorities across the country.

“We know there are many excellent independent swim schools but their customers, particularly parents who entrust them with teaching their children to swim, have had no real way of knowing how good they really are,” he said.

“The STA Swim Star Programme will now provide their customers much-needed reassurance about the high standards the school attains in its swim teaching.”

To be accepted as an STA Swim Star, independent swim schools have to complete an online audit to ensure they adhere to minimum standards; demonstrate that they are actively working towards STAmark, an accreditation process; sign a 3-year service level agreement with STA, committing to deliver its globally renowned International Learn to Swim Programme.

“It is absolutely vital that applicants achieve our exacting standards and are committed to excellence in teaching,” added Theo Millward.

Schools accepted onto the programme will be able to promote their Swim Star status using STA’s range of marketing materials.

Already signed up to the STA Swim Star School Programme are:

• Aquarius Swim School
• Swim with Me
• SwimKidz
• Sharkys Swimmers
• Swim with Sharon
• Kinder Swim
• Splash Paddle Swim
• Dolphin Swim School
• Aqualympic
• JSB Swim School
• Little Splashers
• Fit and Smart

Tracie Jack, Swim-With-Me Operations Director, said: “Swim-With-Me Ltd is delighted and privileged to be working in partnership with the STA, delivering the International Learn to Swim Programme. Being recognised as one of the first Swim Star Swim Schools in the UK reinforces our commitment to ensuring our Aquatic lessons are continually delivered through ‘Safety and Fun’.”

Aquarius Swim School said: “We are very excited to be one of STA’s first Swim Star Swim Schools. The branding is very professional, colourful and has given an additional edge to all our current marketing. Even though we have only been a Swim Star Swim School for a short time we have already seen an increase in new enquiries and new customers.”

SwimKidz, the UK’s first swim school franchise to join the Swim Star School Programme, said: “The Swimkidz team of franchisee’s are excited to be part of the Swim Star Programme. Working toward the STAmark will show our customers how passionate we are in delivering the best possible service in terms of our aquatic programme and customer care.”

Also pictured here are Swim-With-Me, Swim with Sharon and Splash Paddle Swim with STA’s Zoe Cooper at LIW 2013.

For more details about STA Swim Star Swim School programme, contact STA on 01922 645097 or email sta@sta.co.uk.