Our Method
We believe every child has a natural connection to water, and that’s where their journey with us begins. Developed by our founder, Laura Sevenus, the Sevenus Swimming Method grew from her belief that when children are guided gently, rather than held to a strict framework, they learn to swim faster, with greater confidence, and a love for the water that lasts.
The method follows each child’s instincts to move, float, and explore, supporting them as their independence unfolds. Step by step, we build on the foundations already learnt, ensuring progress is continuous and seamless. From the beginning, we plant the seeds of the four strokes, allowing them to develop naturally into strength and confidence.
Children progress smoothly through our stages — from Dinghy to Regatta — always building on what came before. We don’t impose; we guide, encourage, and celebrate every milestone, helping swimmers strengthen their connection with water in the pool and beyond.
Pools
We’re proud to offer a dedicated pool centres designed to give children and families the very best swimming experience. With facilities tailored to every stage of the journey, from a baby's first splash to confident pre-club swimming – our Chiswick location provides a calm, supportive environment where confidence grows and families feel at home.
We're also delighted to have a dedicated centre in Cape Town, offering the same trusted framework, this means that families travelling between the UK and South Africa can seamlessly continue their swimming journey while on holiday with no interruptions, just the same high-quality instruction and care, wherever you are.
Whether you're swimming in Chiswick or Cape Town, your child's confidence, progress, and joy in the water remain at the heart of everything we do.
Chiswick, West London
Our Chiswick centre is nestled under the arches, making it a unique yet cosy environment offering warm water, friendly faces, and everything you need to make family life and swimming lessons as stress-free as possible.
- 11 Wilson Walk, off Prebend Gardens
Stamford Brook
London
W4 1TP
Pool
Temp 33d
UV treated water
Change facilities
Play facilities
Cafe
Shop
Reception
Waiting area
Kitchen facilities
Frequently asked questions
What should I know before my first lesson?
Please arrive 10–15 minutes early so you have time to prepare without rushing, and bring your child to the pool a minute before class begins. Most lessons are 30 minutes long, except for our Regatta swimmers, who swim for 60 minutes. Pay and Display parking is available nearby on Prebend Gardens and Vaughn Avenue or at Welstead Way car park — use the PayByPhone app, location 803025.
When should my baby start swimming, and what about the dive reflex?
Babies can usually begin swimming from around 3–4 months, once they have head control and their initial vaccinations — though it’s always best to check with your GP if you’re unsure. The dive reflex is not lost; it is simply stronger in younger babies. With gentle assistance, this natural response can be engaged at any age, helping children (and even adults) instinctively hold their breath and feel confident in the water.
How many pupils are in a class, and how long does it take to learn to swim?
Class sizes are kept small so every child gets the attention they need — baby classes have no more than 5 babies with their mothers, non swimmer classes up to 3 pupils, and older groups can be from 6 to 8 swimmers. Learning to swim depends on each child, but with our method confidence can be rapid, leading to strong progress.
Can my child swim if they are unwell?
Children must stay away from swimming for at least 48 hours after vomiting or diarrhoea, and only once all symptoms are fully cleared. Minor colds and sniffles are fine to swim, but if your child has a fever or is feeling unwell, it’s best to stay home. When in doubt, check with your GP.
Do you only teach babies and children?
No — from babies to adults, everyone is welcome in the water. We offer lessons for all ages (subject to availability), along with open family swim sessions,
pregnancy swims sessions for mums-to-be, and 1:1 lessons. These can be booked via our booking page. Terms and Conditions apply.
Can I freeze my membership if we go on holiday?
Memberships can’t be frozen, but we offer a missed lesson credit system for up to 4 lessons per year (September–August). Credits can be taken in one block or split across the year. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Is the pool a chlorine pool?
No — our pool is sanitised using Ultraviolet (UV) light, a proven chemical-free process that destroys bacteria, viruses, and parasites, while also eliminating chloramines. The water is kept between 32–33°C and, like a hydrotherapy pool, turns over its full volume every hour. Together with UV, this keeps the pool consistently clean, safe, and gentle for swimmers.
Can we stay and watch from the poolside?
Usually, parents and carers are asked to wait and watch from downstairs during lessons, unless you’re a new student or the teacher has requested you to stay poolside. Parent-and-baby lessons naturally have an accompanying adult in the water. We also run watching weeks a few times a year, when families are invited poolside to enjoy seeing progress — please look out for dates around the club.