Water Babies Berkshire - Basingstoke

Jocy W.

Don’t bother unless you want to ruin your child’s swimming ability.

Water Babies was good for our first year, but only because of a specific teacher. In the last twelve months we’ve had more lessons cancelled than take place, with the majority of cancellations via email 10-15min before the lesson, so we don’t find out until we get there… and have to drive 20min home with a disappointed child. We are on our 4th teacher in a year… that plus the cancellations means there’s so much inconsistency for the kids. And the emails from head office are incredibly unprofessional.

Our child’s swimming has been noticeably impacted from the disruption. I’ve been trying to cancel for a month now and just get automated responses telling me they’re busy.

Chloe H.

Do not recommend. The price they charge for what they deliver is very poor. My son had one class out of the 8 I paid for. The next two were cancelled because of issues with the pool which is fair enough. But I did not get an email until I was leaving to go to the class on both weeks. Also the email stated the incorrect date so it became confusing if it was just an error email or if the class was actually cancelled. I was told I would be refunded for the classes, which I haven't been. I’m now having the chase it up. The class has now been moved to a pool half hour away that I can no longer travel to. Really disappointed in the level of service. Also the facilities in the centre where we had the first lesson were shocking for babies. There was two changing rooms and ONE baby changer. The class can take up to ten babies so not sure how this works ?

Ashlee B.

Our lessons are regularly cancelled with very little notice (one notice was only an hour before class) they charge for lessons by direct debit, but then have to refund you the next month and I’m not sure they’ve refunded all classes, but it’s difficult to track as they cancel so many. Overall shocking customer service

Nicholas W.

Constant and poor last minute cancellations communication. 3/5 sessions cancelled but absoloutely relentless at auto enrolment.

1st: We would like to first start by apologising for the delay in sending you information about your cancelled classes. I can assure you that we have reviewed the cancellation process and identified some areas for improvement which we will be working through over the next few weeks.

2nd: Your teacher is unwell today and can't teach. We are really sorry. We will send an email this week with options for today.

3rd: We have had a call, the pool is too cold for us to use today so there is no classes today. Water Babies.

Here's to another refund or rescheduling.

Craig K.

I love Waterbabies. One of my daughters went on the course and we loved it, despite the odd cancellation. But, the second time has caused us a lot of aggravation in terms of pool cancelations.

The first two weeks were cancelled at very short notice and in the third week we found out at 5pm the day before that it would be on after a week of not knowing.

I appreciate the pools need to be exact for the babies, but this episode has cost a lot of lost time and expense with childminders, etc.

When I asked for my money back after the week two cancellation (because of the lack of knowing if and when the sessions would start), I was told that I could not transfer my course and that I could not have my money back.

Don't get me wrong, I think Waterbabies is great for your newborn child and I also understand the problems. But, families with young children take a lot of organisation. We are asked to be flexible, but there is nothing in return.

Josh C.

We spent £160 on a term of 9 swims. We had cancellation after cancellation. 4 of 9 were scrapped and as for giving us notice of cancellations forget it. We turned up to be to its off even though we had drove 30 min to get there. Joke of a place.

Brian K.

Overpriced classes which then lead to an overpriced photo shoot at the end. Don't go if you don't want to shove you baby under water repeatedly in each class. Venue used in Bracknell had no baby changing facilities for men or women.

Kate

Daughter has swum with Waterbabies since she was 3 months old and lives having her special time with Daddy at the weekend 5 stars