Frequently Asked Questions
Swimming lesson activities have been reviewed to ensure we can teach a broad range of swimming techniques and skills.
How do I book a block of lessons?
Lessons will no longer be booked in blocks but will rather be on a continual class format.
To register your child for the More Swim School please complete the form on this page.
Will my child get an assessment prior to lessons commencing?
The focus during the first 1-4 weeks of lessons restarting is to ensure all children re-learn the basic skills to feel safe and confident in the new normal for swimming lessons. During the first 1-4 weeks, Swimming Teachers will ensure that pupils are working towards the correct awards and are in the correct class for their ability.
Will my child get an assessment at the end of this block of lessons?
The Swim School will offer continual assessments and your child can be moved up or down a level at any time throughout the term, based on their ability.
Will my child automatically get a place at the end of this term?
The More Swim School will run on a continual format. You can choose to finish or continue with the programme as you wish.
Where do I find details of the assessment criteria?
Details of the assessment criteria are available on the home portal.
How many weeks does the block run for?
Lessons will no longer be booked in blocks but will rather be on a continual class format. To register your child for the More Swim School please complete the form on this page.
How long does the lesson last?
Each lesson will last 30 minutes.
What is the cost of the session/block?
Each lesson will cost £6 x the number of weeks. £5 for Members. Payment can be made on the home portal for a minimum of 10 weeks.
How many children are in a class?
There will be a maximum of 12 children per class
Will I be able to get a refund if my child is sick and unable to attend?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds if your child is sick and unable to attend.
Do you have any classes for special needs?
Currently we don’t have any classes for special needs however we will be releasing classes in the near future. Please check the website for availability and updates. www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/moreswimschool
Can I put my child down on a waiting list for swimming lessons?
We are not holding waiting lists for swimming lessons. Please check the website for availability and updates. www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/moreswimschool
Does my child need to bring swimming goggles?
This is down to personal choice but it is advised that your child brings swimming goggles to their lessons.
Will my child be able to get a shower after their lesson?
Your child will be able to have a shower after the lesson.
Will I be able to spectate?
Yes, one adult can accompany a child/children to their swimming lesson.
How will I find out about my child's progress?
You can access information on your child’s progress through the home portal.
What happens if my child does not pass at the end of the block?
The Swim School will offer continual assessments throughout the course of the lessons. If at the end of the term they have not moved up a level, they will remain at their current level until your child is ready to progress to the next stage.
What age are the lessons for?
The lessons are for children aged 5+.
Do you have any lessons for children under 5?
We are not currently offering lessons for children under 5. Please keep an eye on social media channels and the Council website for further updates.
Are the lessons suitable for an older child?
Yes, the lessons are available to all children aged 5+ and will be based on ability, not age.
Are the locker available? What is the cost of the lockers?
Yes lockers are available and cost £1 at the Antrim Forum, Valley & Sixmile Leisure Centres (refundable).
How much is a swim session?
The swimming prices are: Adults: £5.20, Children and Concessions: £3.10, Under 5's: Free. Our family swim ticket costs £10.40 and covers 2 adults and 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children. Please note, there must be one adult for every 2 children under the age of 8.
What are the showering facilities?
Our showering facilities are restricted to poolside within Antrim Forum. All other centres provide private showers within the changing areas. We will have public toilets in a designated area available in all leisure centres.
Over 60’s Swims
Yes the council provides free swims for residents of the borough, who are over 60 years of age. You can sign up here
Adult Lessons
Adult lessons are also available. For more information, please click here
Private Lessons
For private 1-1 lessons please email our MORE team for further details: more@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Slides
The slides at the Valley & Sixmile Leisure Centres are only open during leisure swim sessions. Please note – There is a minimum height restriction of 1.2m.
Help Home Portal
What does "your account is not yet activated" mean?
After registering your account, we will have sent you an email containing a link that you must click in order to verify your identity. You must click this link to be able to login. If you haven't received this email, please check your spam/junk folder. If it is not there, please contact us.
I haven't received an activation email
Some email suppliers may send our email to your spam/junk folder. Please check for the email in there, and add our email address to your contacts to avoid further email being sent there.
What does "not enough information to register" mean?
In order to register, we must have the registrant's date of birth AND either their email address or postcode on record. If you see this message, it means we do not have all of the above. Please contact us to allow us to update our records.
I don't know some of my details, or it is saying that my details are incorrect
Please contact us to allow us to update our records.
What does "ID not recognised" mean?
The ID you have provided us is not in a correct format. Please contact us to find out the correct identifier to enter here.
What does "no available courses" mean?
The person you have tried to register is either not on a course, or their course is not available yet on HomePortal.
What does "no date of birth available" mean?
The course you have tried to sign up to HomePortal for has a minimum registration age, but we have no date of birth on record to check against. Please contact us to allow us to update our records.
What does "too young to register" mean?
The course you have tried to sign up to HomePortal for has a minimum registration age. If the date of birth on record is erroneous, please contact us to allow us to update our records.
What does "invalid data on record" mean?
The data we have on record for you is not in a correct format, please contact us to allow us to update our records.