A SWIMMING teacher who works in Malvern has been awarded for her dedication and enthusiasm to helping babies and pre-school children learn to swim.
Jo Simpson, a Puddle Ducks Worcestershire instructor has been awarded the company’s Local Star Teacher award.
The accolade is presented to inspiration individuals who excel in teaching young children and babies to swim across Worcestershire.
A parent, Clare, nominated Jo after her son, Danny, received ‘fantastic guidance’ from Jo. Clare said: “Jo has a friendly and confident teaching style that puts mum and baby at ease straight away.
“My son Danny went through a tricky few weeks where he wasn’t enjoying his lessons.
“Jo could see I was getting worked up as well and took Danny for demos and gave him toys to distract him.
“I honestly would have stopped his swimming lessons but Jo’s perseverance meant we overcame that hurdle and he absolutely loves his lessons again, which means I do too.
“Jo really knows my son and the progress and water confidence she has built in him is wonderful.”
Jo began her journey into swimming when she took part competitively at a country level at the age of 18.
It was this passion that led her to a career in swimming, teaching school age children and rookie lifeguard training to year 11’s before becoming a Puddle Duck teacher, in 2020.
Jo was ‘thrilled’ with her award. She said: “I truly love my job and the best part for me is when I look round my classes and I am greeted by big smiles from little ones and their parents.
“We are teaching one of the most important life skills and having fun along the way, so I’m over the moon to have won this award.”
Jo teaches at Malvern College as well as the Mercure Hotel in West Bromwich and Stratford Manor.
Visit https://www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/worcestershire for more information.
