Local swim school prove disability is not a barrier

Local baby and child swim school, Puddle Ducks Mid-Cheshire, are celebrating the achievements of one of their Poolside Assistants who despite having autism, is taking the steps to become a swim teacher.

Jude Cooper, who started working with Puddle Ducks in March 2020, says that working with the swim school has reaffirmed her belief that autism is her superpower and has never let it hold her back from chasing her dreams and achieving her goals.

Having previously found maintaining employment a challenge due to her seizures, Jude’s journey with Puddle Ducks began following a conversation with the owner of the Mid Cheshire office, Rachel Bateson. Jude commented: “I had a meeting with Rachel where I discussed my desire to be a Poolside Assistant and she asked me what support I needed for my condition. She listened and I immediately felt so welcome and supported. Being autistic I see the world in black and white, I’m a stickler for rules, procedures and time keeping and this was all communicated to the team right from the start. They have never judged me, they have all accepted me and have not only been great colleagues, but also friends”.

Starting as a Poolside Assistant one night a week, Jude then progressed to four nights per week and has her sights set on her next challenge, becoming a swim teacher.

Jude said: “I have a background in outdoor education and have seen many children miss out on the chance to try water sports due to a lack of ability or confidence in the water, this has really inspired me to become a swim teacher and I hope I will inspire the children I teach to never to hold back from something they want to achieve, in the same way I have never let my disabilities be a barrier to achieving my dreams”.

Rachel Bateson, owner of Puddle Ducks Mid-Cheshire added: “We are so proud of Jude, she’s such an inspiration to not only her colleagues, but more importantly to the children she comes into contact with, she’ll be a fantastic teacher. I’m so proud that at Puddle Ducks we are able to provide equal opportunities and put support in place where it’s required in order to have wonderful people such as Jude on our team”.

To find out more about Puddle Ducks Mid-Cheshire and the baby and child swimming lessons they provide across the local area, please call:

01477 410080

...or visit: 

https://www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/mid-cheshire.

Pictured - Puddle Ducks’ Jude Cooper.