Type of service: Play and leisure, Local groups

Service URL: http://www.alfretonpark.derbyshire.sch.uk

The pool is used by: parents and children enabling them to meet and get to know other parents and offer support; disabled adult groups such as day centres; other schools including Alfreton Park Community Special School. They have a company called 'Puddle Ducks' and a company called 'East Midlands Swimming Academy' that hire the pool at lunch times and out of school hours (evenings & weekends). Toddler groups meet four times a week to enjoy a session in the 3 feet deep, 90 degrees hydrotherapy pool. The pool staff provide aids and floats and assistance with changing in a warm and friendly environment. As well as learning to swim, pool users can gain literacy and numeracy skills in the pool by doing fun exercises including stories and dressing up; building on their hand/eye coordination, colour recognition etc. They can also develop their PSE (Personal Social Development) skills through changing and showering. Due to the range of facilities on offer at the pool, some people are prepared to travel from outside Derbyshire to use it. Approximately 100 parents and toddlers use the pool on a regular basis and there is a waiting list. They have a completely new pool which cost around £1.5 million, it has sensory lighting, a bubble machine and 2 overhead tracking systems, to aid children that cannot walk to enjoy the pool. They also have 2 spacious changing rooms. The pool is still the same length, width, depth & temperature.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult , Child , Parent/carer of a child, Parent/carer of a young person, Young person

Covers: East Midlands

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Learning disability