Hannah expands Baby Squids into Surrey and North Hampshire, classes in Cranleigh, Basingstoke and Leatherhead with more to come!

I’m delighted to be able to welcome Hannah – our second new franchise of 2024! She is offering swimming lessons in Surrey and North Hampshire. 

I first met Hannah back in August 2023, she was considering leaving a senior role in education which she has been very successful in. I’m always conscious of the changes that people make to their lives when buying a franchise and the risks that this brings with it. And for Hannah and family, this change was evidently needed to give them the flexible family life they dreamed of. More than that though Hannah was clearly ambitious, keen to quickly grow her area and build the business to be financially successful as quickly as she could. 

Hannah has been true to her word and has worked very hard to build up relationships with pools and has gained hours in a few different locations. Alongside this she is hugely passionate about ensuring that the families that swim with her get the absolute best, she is a creative and wonderful teacher who I am thrilled to have onboard. Check out a little bit more about her journey below…..

Best,

Laura Skilton

Founder, Baby Squids

Hannah’s thoughts

Growing up, I was really lucky to have learnt to swim at a relatively young age. My memories include paddling across a sunny pool on holiday being greeted by my Dad with great delight, so proud that I’d managed to paddle on my own and to have begun to develop a real life-long skill. Ever since then, I have always enjoyed the water and find that it is a great way to switch off and recharge, whilst also feeling as though I’ve done some exercise. 

As a parent, I was really keen to ensure my children could both swim and enjoy being in the water. Of the many baby classes on offer to us at the time, swimming on the weekend was one that my husband could also join in with, which further developed his bond with our little one. I can honestly say that these were some of my favourite memories as part of becoming a mummy. So it’s been no surprise that in my teaching sessions, it has been great to see both parents taking turns with their little ones in the water and sharing this magical experience, too. 

For nearly two decades, I have worked passionately in education, most recently as a Headteacher, striving for every child to excel and foster a true love of learning. Following the birth of our second child, together with a serious illness within the family, I had time to reflect on what mattered most to me and what I wanted to achieve moving forward and decided it was time for a change. 

Having specialised in the Early Years, I realised that I desperately wanted to explore further opportunities to support babies and young children in achieving a fundamental life skill in a fun and friendly way. Working with families to achieve this was a key reason why I joined the Baby Squids team. Becoming a franchisee also gives me the work-life balance that is needed in our family, as well as fulfilling my passion for learning and teaching. 

Since doing so, I have been able to see and share in the pure joy felt by children and to develop fun and creative sessions. Being able to also share in the delight and pride that parents show as their child achieves their new learning skills has been an absolute pleasure and real privilege. 

Swimming as a Baby Squid is such a special and unique experience, so gentle and always following the child’s needs, which closely aligns with my integrity, authenticity, and beliefs as a teacher. 

It has been wonderful to meet all the families so far, and I am looking forward to sharing the fun with more babies in the pool soon! If you are looking for swimming lessons in Basingstoke or swimming lessons in Leatherhead please get in touch! 🙂

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Update on 14th Jun 2024! We are now offering swimming lessons in Farnham and swimming lessons in Farnborough! Check it out 🙂