Becky from Baby Squids West Yorkshire launches in June 2025!
I’m Becky, mum to my wonderful daughter, Jessica, and since 2007, I’ve been immersed in the vibrant world of hospitality, steadily working my way up to pub manager by 2015. While I loved the hustle and bustle, a different kind of calling began to emerge, one rooted deeply in the joy and wonder of water.
My journey into baby swimming began when Jessica was just three weeks old in 2018. Those initial moments in the pool were nothing short of magical. I remember the sheer delight on her tiny face, the gentle splashes, and the burgeoning confidence she found in the water. It was truly beautiful to witness. Quickly, I realized how incredibly transformative swimming is for children, not just for safety but for their development, their joy, and the precious bonding time it creates. And truthfully, I found I enjoyed it just as much as she did! This profound experience ignited a powerful passion within me to become a baby swimming teacher. I wanted to share that same magic, that same sense of wonder, with other families.
For four years, the idea of teaching baby swimming was there in my mind, a dream I often spoke about but hadn’t quite taken the leap to pursue. Then, in 2022, I finally did it. I applied for a job at a swimming school, completed my baby and preschool training, and before I knew it, I was in the pool, teaching and absolutely loving every minute. It felt like coming home. The joy of seeing a baby’s first splash, a toddler’s confident kick, or a parent’s proud smile was incredibly fulfilling.
Then, in early 2025, an amazing opportunity presented itself: the chance to become a Baby Squids franchisee. This wasn’t just another job; this was a chance to build something truly special from the ground up, to bring a service I passionately believe in to my local community. I thought, “I couldn’t possibly pass this up!” It was a pivotal moment, a genuine fork in the road, and choosing this path felt exhilarating and right. The idea of taking the reins, of shaping an entire swimming program, and creating a warm, supportive environment for families was overwhelmingly appealing. So, here I am, a small business owner, embarking on this super exciting new adventure!
The excitement surrounding the launch of Baby Squids West Yorkshire is immense. It’s more than just opening a business; it’s about bringing a proven, beloved program to families who are eager for high-quality, engaging baby and toddler swimming lessons. The anticipation of opening our doors and welcoming our first little squids and their parents fills me with so much energy. Every step of this journey, from finding the pools to designing our lessons, I feel such a sense of purpose and a deep desire to create an exceptional experience.
What makes this such a great opportunity isn’t just the personal satisfaction of running my own business, though that’s certainly a huge part of it. It’s the chance to create jobs within the community, to train passionate new teachers who share my vision, and to truly make a difference in the lives of hundreds of local families. Baby Squids offers a unique, nurturing approach to baby and toddler swimming, focusing on building water confidence and essential life skills through fun, play-based lessons. This isn’t just about teaching strokes; it’s about fostering a lifelong love for water, promoting safety, and strengthening the incredible bond between parent and child in a unique environment.
The support from the Baby Squids head office has been phenomenal, providing a robust framework that allows me to focus on what I do best: teaching and connecting with families. This partnership provides the perfect blend of entrepreneurial freedom and established expertise, making this launch feel both incredibly exciting and reassuringly well-supported. I’ve been busy behind the scenes, ensuring every detail is perfect, from crafting adverts to planning engaging activities for our little swimmers. The energy is palpable, and I truly can’t wait to share it with everyone in West Yorkshire.
Outside of work, my love for swimming continues to flourish. I absolutely adore outdoor swimming – there’s something so invigorating and refreshing about diving into natural lakes and rivers, come rain or shine. My daughter and I frequently have a little dip on our travels, with our most recent adventure being a swim in the stunning infinity pool at Buttermere. I would absolutely recommend it if you’re around that area – the views alone are worth the trip! This personal passion for water deeply informs my teaching. I believe that a positive relationship with water, built from an early age, opens up a world of adventure and confidence.
Some of my absolute favourite activities in the pool consist of anything that involves splashing and all things jumping! There’s an undeniable thrill in seeing children overcome their initial hesitancy and launch themselves into the water with pure joy. But I also deeply cherish the quiet bonding moments, those serene lessons with my littlest squids who are just beginning to explore the water, their tiny hands reaching out, their eyes wide with curiosity. Both ends of the spectrum, from boisterous play to gentle discovery, hold a special place in my heart as a teacher.
This franchise isn’t just a business for me; it’s a dream realized. It’s about building a community where children can learn, grow, and thrive in the water, supported by dedicated teachers and encouraged by their parents. I am so incredibly enthusiastic about bringing the Baby Squids experience to West Yorkshire and watching countless little ones develop their confidence and skills in the water.
I look forward to meeting all of you in the pool, and I genuinely hope that you and your little one enjoy your swimming journey with Baby Squids West Yorkshire as much as I have enjoyed embarking on this incredible adventure myself!
If you are looking for baby swimming lessons in Halifax or baby swimming lessons in Huddersfield please get in touch!
Becky