Frequently Asked Questions
When you join Mini Dolphins for the first time, you will select your preferred class, day and time. These details will apply to your initial four-week block of sessions.
Your monthly subscription covers one 30-minute session per week for four consecutive weeks. At the end of each block, our automated booking system will automatically generate and reserve your place for the next four weeks. This means your space in the class will remain secure on a continuous basis, unless you notify us that you wish to:
- Change your day or time, or
- Cancel your subscription altogether
To make any changes, we kindly ask for two weeks' notice. Because this automated system guarantees your ongoing place, we are unable to offer credits or refunds for absences due to sickness or holidays across all of our classes. We do suggest, however, dropping us an email where possible, as we may be able to find an alternative class that week, but this is subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Subscription Start Dates
Your first month's payment will be collected at the time of booking, and then every four weeks thereafter.
FAQ's Booking
9 QuestionsWhen you join, you select your preferred course, day and time. This becomes your weekly 30-minute class for four weeks. At the end of each block, our automated system will automatically rebook you for the next four weeks, keeping your space secure.
Your 4-weekly subscription includes one class per week for four consecutive weeks.
No. Your place is automatically reserved unless you tell us otherwise with 14 days' notice.
No. Our system works in 4 weekly blocks.
We operate a first-come, first-served waiting list. When a space becomes available, we will contact you by email to offer the place. You will then have two working days to confirm. The space is secured once payment has been received.
If no email was provided, then we will contact you by phone instead.
Yes. Please provide at least 14 days' notice if you would like to make a change. This is subject to availability.
Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time by sending us an email to [email protected]. We do ask for 14 days' notice of cancellation, which allows us to allocate your space to someone on our waiting list. Please note there will be NO refund for any remaining classes of your block if you wish not to attend them.
For all classes, we are unable to offer credits or refunds for missed lessons. We do have limited flexibility at times, though, so it's always best to contact us and see if there is an alternative option available that week, subject to availability. If there is another suitable class with space, this must be used within the same week as your original lesson, and if missed or cancelled by us, it will not be given as a credit, as this isn't your subscription class.
We're unable to offer refunds or credits for a session missed due to general illness, late arrival or non-attendance; however, in some cases, we understand you may not be able to swim under the guidance of a doctor, etc.
If your child needs to withdraw from the course for medical reasons, we'll require:
- A letter/email from your GP confirming that your child has been advised not to swim, and
- A letter/email from you as the parent/guardian notifying us of the situation.
In these circumstances, any agreed refund will normally be given as a credit towards your next block of lessons. If you do not plan to rebook, the refund will instead be paid directly back to the card against your subscription within 28 days.
Your first month's payment is taken on sign-up and then every four weeks thereafter.
FAQ's Pool
8 QuestionsPlease arrive about 5 minutes before your lesson to get ready. Once changed, wait in the poolside seating area until you are called in. For safety, please do not enter the pool until invited by your teacher.
For our lunchtime lesson (12.45 – 1.15 pm), we kindly ask that you park on Tendring Road, just outside the school – this is free street parking. For lessons after 3.30 pm on weekdays and all lessons at the weekend, you are welcome to use the school car park on-site.
Yes, absolutely. Due to the limited poolside space, we kindly ask that you bring no more than 1-2 additional family members. If you're unsure or would like to check, please feel free to email us.
To help maintain a safe and clean environment, we kindly ask that you:
- Remove shoes when entering the pool building
- DO NOT bring food onto the poolside or into the changing areas
- Stay on poolside with your child(ren) at all times
For the safety and privacy of all swimmers, photography and video recording are NOT permitted at any time, unless prior permission has been given.
Yes, please ensure that any child(ren) in your care are supervised at all times. They remain your responsibility, except during their swimming lesson.
No, food is not permitted on poolside or in the changing areas, to help maintain a clean and safe environment.
We provide both private and communal changing facilities, toilets and a small shower. We also offer complimentary tea and coffee for your convenience.
Yes, our swim school is fully insured, as are our teachers.
FAQ Lessons
6 QuestionsChildren should wear appropriate swimming clothing such as a one-piece costume or swimming shorts. Bikinis are not permitted. A swimming hat and goggles are optional. For our younger swimmers, one-piece suits are recommended. It is advised for parents and baby swimmers to bring an additional towel, in case of any accidents.
Please note: children who are not toilet-trained must wear a swimming nappy with a happy nappy on top.
If your child(ren) wear goggles, please choose ones with clear or light lenses. Dark lenses tend to steam up and make it difficult for swimmers to see their teacher and classmates. If you'd like specific recommendations, feel free to email us and we'll be happy to help.
For the safety and privacy of all swimmers, photography and video recording are NOT permitted at any time, unless prior permission has been given.
All lessons are 30 minutes long.
Yes, of course. You will just need to subscribe and make a payment for each class you would like to attend.
If your teacher has suggested moving up a class, drop us an email and we can amend your subscription, subject to availability, to ensure continuous lessons.
Professional swimming lessons for children aged 0-8 years in Harlow.
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