Turtle Tots at Damhead Holdings

★★★★★

“Absolutely dreadful company. I started classes here when my baby was 3 months old and had planned to go through their full baby, toddler and big swimmer programmes. At the current cost, that would have been around £3000 in swimming classes. Had I been aware that the franchise owner is solely focussed on money and has no interest in those taking the classes I would have gone elsewhere. Disregarding the awful pool and facilities at the venue I chose (Damhead), Turtle Tots don’t have a care in the world if you need to miss a class for any reason. They have a “make up class” facility however impose a limit of “up to” 2 make up classes. Heaven forbid your baby is sick or circumstances prevent you from attending on a 3rd occasion. Note that this is a policy that isn’t actually disclosed and can’t be found in their terms before (or after) you pay. They confirmed to me they would prefer to have a class empty or with spaces available rather than allow someone to make use of that space. On several occasions throughout my classes they have been only a third full. They also try to claim that most swim schools don’t allow any at all. My enquiries have confirmed otherwise. For the last 4 weeks of term my baby had to attend A&E and ended up in a full leg cast after an ankle fracture. Swimming obviously out of the question. But Turtle Tots couldn’t possibly dream of actually caring about circumstances such as this. Their T&Cs simply tell you they don’t care. I dread to think how they would treat parents of a baby who was seriously ill in hospital. Worth reading their terms in full as there are no circumstances that warrant a refund - even then having to cancel a class! Luckily my husband takes our daughter to a Water Babies class and they have been more than accommodating and just actually caring about the situation. Could not have been more supportive. For those who would still be tempted to book with this awful franchise, I strongly suggest avoiding Damhead. The facilities are appalling. The pool is absolutely freezing (despite them claiming it’s “toasty warm”) and even the teachers admit it’s colder than normal. The owner trying to save on the bills by turning the temperature down? My baby was physically shivering in the water and had to be doubled up on swimwear to try block the cold water. The changing facilities are wholly inadequate and simply unsafe for babies or children. Suggest that you consider Water Babies as better alternative, or any other swimming school who will undoubtedly treat you better than Turtle Tots.”

★★★★★

“Excellent swimming classes for my son in a great facility. Would highly recommend.”

★★★★★

“Lovely place, great venue, idealy located with convenient parking.”