A SPECIALIST swimming school for tots has been taken over as it expands across Hampshire.

Duckling Dives swim school has been acquired by the Baby Paddlers business as it opens several new sessions in the county.

Parents will be able to take advantage of more than 30 new classes – aimed at babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers – at both Southampton and Winchester.

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

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

Baby Paddlers aims to make parents and children confident in the water, and the company believes that starts with having fun.

It is offering a free trial to prospective customers in the areas where the new classes are starting.

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 to 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 Southampton and Winchester, in a welcoming environment with parents close.“We are so excited to be here.”

Sara Neal, who originally 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.”

Details of sessions can be found online at babypaddlers.co.uk or by calling 01962 680236.