Eirias Park Leisure Centre, Colwyn Bay.

This pool is ideal for families as it has a really nice shallow part for little ones with fountains, water jets and a mini jacuzzi. For the more adventurous there is a big slide, although this is not open all the time.

Last summer our son had a five day course of beginners swimming lessons (for 3-5 year olds) here. He loves the water but we did wonder how he would cope taking part in a lesson instead of doing his own thing. As it turned out it was fantastic.

When his Gran booked the lessons she explained that he had communication difficulties (we didn’t know it was ASD at that stage) and found them very helpful and keen to meet his special needs.

They arranged for one of his grandparents to stand at the side of the pool (instead of going into the cafe/viewing area with the other parents) to give him security and also to be on hand in case of problems.

The instuctor was keen to adapt her style in order to meet his needs. She quickly caught on to the idea of using his name when she wanted the group to do something instead of “lets all …”. At one point she asked him to go first and when he swam width ways across the pool (because that’s what they been doing up to then) instead of length ways as she wanted, she immediately apologised and said it was her fault for asking him to go first and that from then on she would ask one of the other children to go first so he could watch what they did and copy.

It was a great experience for him, not only did his swimming improve but he gained valuable experience of being in a group. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and couldn’t wait to get there in the mornings.

Highly recommended.