STA is excited to announce the launch of the newly updated STARFISH Awards programme. The new baby swimming programme features revised learning outcomes for each of the six progressive levels, a refreshed design, and reflects the latest research in child development, continuing STA’s commitment to providing a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience for babies and their parents.

For nearly two decades, STA’s STARFISH Awards have been at the forefront of baby swimming, helping little ones aged 0-2 years develop essential physical, emotional, intellectual, and social skills – all while equipping them with key safety and safe hold skills in the water. Since those early days of baby swimming, before it became the mainstream activity we know today, the scientific understanding of early childhood development and the pedagogy behind baby swimming has advanced rapidly.

As the leading experts in the teaching of baby swimming, STA has played a pivotal role in shaping these best practices over the last 20 years. Through continuous research and collaboration with worldwide industry experts, STA has ensured that its professional teaching practices, and the curriculum behind the STARFISH Awards remain aligned with the latest standards and scientific advancements in early years education.

In line with this, the updated STARFISH programme incorporates the latest holistic approaches to child-led teaching practices and reflects current submersion policies, which together support the creation of happier and more supportive learning environments. The new learning outcomes have also been carefully developed to reflect the most recent research on child development, ensuring that every milestone achieved is rooted in evidence-based practices.

“We are incredibly proud to unveil the updated STARFISH Awards programme,” said Jodie Davis, STA’s Aquatic Development Officer.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure this new version of the programme reflects both the latest research in child development and the most effective holistic teaching practices. Our priority has always been to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding learning experience for babies and their families. This forms part of our continued commitment to encourage babies and young children into aquatic activities, and to help them develop this as a lifelong activity.”

Jodie Davis, STA’s Aquatic Development Officer, adds; “The updated STARFISH Awards programme builds upon STA’s long-standing commitment to creating a positive and safe environment in the water. It assures parents that their children are not only learning essential safety skills but are also gaining valuable developmental benefits from each class.”

In support of the new STARFISH Awards programme, the STA team have created new teaching resources, which includes a revised teaching e-manual, tick sheets, and overview sheets outlining the new learning outcomes and assessment standards. The updates also include refreshed new badge and certificate designs featuring the very cute and very colourful STAR characters.