A SPECIALIST swimming school for tots has been taken over by the Baby Paddlers business.

Duckling Dives swim school has been acquired by the new firm as it expands into Hampshire.

Babies to five-year-olds will be able to access over 30 new classes – aimed at babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers – at both Winchester and Southampton.

Set up by Winchester-based owner and managing director Laura Skilton, the firm is already well established in Devon, Dorset and the New Forest.

Winchester classes will be held in Norton Park in Sutton Scotney, at Osborne School and the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, and Southampton classes will take place in the Novotel hotel.

Ms Skilton said: “If a child is taught to swim in a nurturing and supportive environment it can have a really positive impact on how they see the world. At Baby Paddlers we believe that teaching a child to swim isn’t just about showing them how to float, breathe and move in the water. More importantly it’s also about building their trust in the people teaching them, and their confidence in their own abilities.

“I was frustrated that there was a lack of appropriate teaching for pre-school children,” she added. “So often children from three-five-years-old are being taught in big, echoing swimming pools, with mum and dad far away in galleries. This can intimidate children and put them off.

“I am thrilled that we are going to be able to offer our approach to older children as well as babies and toddlers in Winchester, in a welcoming environment with parents close. We are so excited to be here.”

Sara Neal, who set up Duckling Dives, added: “I know that Laura shares my dedication to teaching babies and toddlers the wonderful gift of water confidence and I wish her and the newly expanded Baby Paddlers all the very best for the future.”