Needham Market swim teacher Emma Holland wins National Star Teacher award

A swim teacher who creates ‘memorable and enjoyable’ lessons has been named ‘National Star Teacher’ for helping young children to swim.

Emma Holland, who lives in Needham Market, has been with Puddle Ducks since 2017 and was handpicked by Mike Goody, eight-time Invictus Games gold medalist, to receive this award.

She said: “I am thrilled to have been nominated for this national award - let alone win.

“It is so rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of our little swimmers as they develop their confidence in the water.

“I’d like to thank all the swimmers and their friends and families for their kind words, it really does mean a lot.”

The nomination came from Sara Fenn, mum of 2-year-old Harper who swims in Emma’s Kickers class at Letts Swim in Hadleigh.

Sara said: “When we first joined Puddle Ducks, Emma was the poolside assistant and was always so welcoming, efficient and helpful. Now she is our teacher on a Tuesday morning.

“Nothing is too much trouble and she goes out of her way to accommodate all of us, no matter what our needs are. She is generally wonderful”.

Mike Goody, who is also an open water swimming/water safety ambassador for the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) said Emma’s teaching reminded him of his own swim teacher.

He said: “It reminded me of this wonderful swim teacher some 30 plus years ago and the memories have stuck with me all of these years.

“The wonderful impact and fun memories that all of Puddle Ducks’ amazing teachers and assistants make will no doubt stick with the children for years to come.”

For more information on Puddle Ducks, call 01473 941386 or visit www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/norfolk-and-suffolk,

Rebecca Lomax, owner of Puddle Ducks Suffolk, added: “Emma is a wonderful teacher and 100 per cent deserving of this recognition.

“She is so good at making all the children and parents feel included and helping each one develop their individual skills”

“Not only does Emma make the lessons as informative as possible, but she also makes them fun - creating a memorable and enjoyable swimming experience for all our customers. A huge well done to Emma!”